Event Overview
On October 23, 2025, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Government of Sierra Leone jointly launched the second Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum in Freetown. Held at the Freetown International Conference Centre from October 22–23, 2025, the forum aims to accelerate investments in renewable energy and promote green industrialization across APRA member countries.
Key Objectives and Activities
The forum brings together ministers, high-level representatives from APRA partners, investors, developers, and financial institutions from Africa and beyond. It features high-level dialogues, technical sessions, matchmaking opportunities, and a project exhibition. These activities provide a platform for regional developers to present their projects to global investors, fostering connections to secure funding and advance renewable energy initiatives.
Addressing Africa’s Renewable Energy Gap
The event follows the release of an IRENA report at the Pre-COP in Brasília, highlighting that Africa accounted for only 1.6% of new global renewable energy capacity in 2024. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized the urgency of addressing financial barriers to unlock Africa’s vast renewable energy potential. He noted, “Renewables are now the most cost-effective power source, yet Africa’s deployment lags far behind its potential. The APRA Investment Forum leverages IRENA’s tools and partnerships to de-risk investments and channel affordable capital to viable projects.”
Sierra Leone’s Leadership in Renewable Energy
Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Sierra Leone’s Energy Sector Lead and Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF), underscored the significance of APRA for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy). He highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment, stating, “Hosting the 2025 APRA Summit aligns with our Mission 300 Compact, aiming to increase our renewable energy share from 46% to 52%, backed by a $2.2 billion investment.”
Building on Past Success
The forum builds on the success of the inaugural APRA Investment Forum in Nairobi, which mobilized a $2.7 billion project pipeline and approximately 1 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity. Post-forum efforts will focus on advancing these projects, enhancing investment readiness, and supporting implementation across APRA countries.
Conclusion
The 2025 APRA Investment Forum marks a significant step toward closing Africa’s renewable energy gap. By fostering collaboration and unlocking innovative financing, the event supports the continent’s transition to sustainable energy and green industrialization.