PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR CLIMATE FINANCE–SIERRA LEONE HOLDS NATIONAL GREEN INVESTMENT DIALOGUE

Parliamentarians for Climate Finance–Sierra Leone on Friday, 29 May 2026, organised a one-day National Green Investment Dialogue at the Freetown City Council Hall under the theme: “Unlocking Investment in Community Green Energy Zones (CGEZs) and Distribution Corridors to Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment, Low-Carbon Industrial Development, and Community-Led Energy Access.”

The high-level dialogue brought together Members of Parliament, government officials, development partners, climate experts, investors, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders to discuss climate finance, renewable energy, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Yusuf Mackery, described the event as a critical step toward positioning Sierra Leone as a leader in green investment and climate resilience. He noted that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality already affecting farmers, fishers, coastal communities, and vulnerable families across the country.

Hon. Mackery emphasised that Sierra Leone must move beyond being seen only as a climate-vulnerable nation and instead become a country prepared to lead through innovation, partnerships, and decisive parliamentary action. He highlighted the importance of creating bankable green investment opportunities aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0). Representing the Executive Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Madam Loveta Junnah underscored the importance of climate finance in supporting mitigation and adaptation efforts. She explained that green investments are essential for promoting environmentally sustainable development and accelerating renewable energy access. UNIDO Country Director, Mrs. Mariatu Abionor Swaray, stressed that achieving Sierra Leone’s climate ambitions would require stronger collaboration between policymakers, parliamentarians, investors, financial institutions, and development partners.

Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, West Africa Director of Climate Parliament, highlighted the crucial role parliamentarians play in addressing climate change through legislation, oversight, and accountability. He stated that parliamentarians serve as the bridge between global climate discussions and the realities faced by local communities.

Representing the Ministry of Finance, Sellu Mackie from the Environment Desk announced that the government is introducing Climate Expenditure Tagging within the national budget process. According to him, this initiative will help track government spending on climate-related activities, improve transparency, and prevent duplication of climate funding.

Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, called for stronger monitoring of climate funds and development projects, warning that some organisations misuse climate-related resources without delivering meaningful impact to communities. He urged parliamentarians to rise above political divisions and work collectively to protect the environment.

Representing the Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, emphasised the importance of translating climate discussions into legislation and actionable policies. He noted that Parliament has a central role in ensuring environmental protection through effective laws and oversight. Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mimi Yema Sobba-Stephens, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and low-carbon economy.

The Deputy Minister highlighted key national priorities, including ecosystem restoration, renewable energy expansion, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable waste management, and increased climate financing. She also encouraged stronger partnerships between government, private investors, development partners, and local communities to drive Sierra Leone’s green transition.

Hon. Sobba-Stephens further stated that Sierra Leone remains open to green investments and sustainable partnerships, stressing that climate change should be viewed not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. The event was moderated by Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Hon. Mariama Zombo, who highlighted the importance of the engagement and provided background information on the National Green Investment Dialogue. The dialogue concluded with calls for concrete action, stronger collaboration, and the development of practical green investment projects capable of transforming Sierra Leone’s climate and economic future.