Solar market snapshot – Financing gap

Current financial analysis indicates that: solar distributors in Sierra Leone are high risk investments; distributors require significant working capital to finance needs but find limited financing options; and long-term consumer finance is required to grow solar sales. This document also indicates financing alternatives compared to standard commercial options: PAYG solutions; patient capital and impact investment; and blended financing options.

Related Resources

Quarterly Newsletter – July 2025

This issue is a round-up of Invest Salone’s work supporting sustainable finance, diaspora engagement and private sector development in Sierra Leone. It features highlights from the country’s first ESG conference, updates on the Fashion Design and Textile Association’s national symposium, a refreshed Investment Toolkit for SMEs and insights from events promoting climate finance and green investment.

Investment toolkit for SMEs in Sierra Leone

International impact investor Acumen and the UK funded private sector initiative Invest Salone have revised the Investment Toolkit for SMEs in Sierra Leone for 2025, marking another step forward in strengthening Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial landscape. This updated toolkit offers essential insights for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to become investment-ready and attract impact investors. 

Quarterly Newsletter – May 2025

This issue is a round-up of Invest Salone’s recent work on sustainable finance, inclusive policy dialogue and the creative industries. It includes insights on Sierra Leone’s first local currency corporate bond, highlights from International Women’s Day activities, updates from the Fashion Design and Textile Association’s first symposium and the launch of a new working group on Sustainable Finance Principles.