FREETOWN – On 6th May 2026, The Energy Nexus Network (TENN) and its partners empowered 20 fishmongers across the Western Urban and Western Rural areas of Sierra Leone with a total of SLE 200,000, as part of a Community Foundation Ireland (CFI) project aimed at supporting fishing communities through cash-based assistance, sustainable energy access, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. Of the 20 beneficiaries, 18 are women and two are men, each receiving SLE 10,000 to improve their livelihoods. The empowerment exercise took place in Tokeh, Portee, Rokupa, and Old Wharf.
According to Dr. Paul T. Yillia, Manager and Chief of Operations at TENN, the purpose of the donation is to help fishmongers develop alternative sources of living, particularly during the closed fishing season when their livelihoods are most vulnerable.
Dr. Yillia explained that fresh fish has a higher market value than smoked or dried fish. However, due to poor electricity distribution across the country, fishmongers are often forced to dry or smoke their fish to prevent spoilage. This practice reduces the value of their catch and limits their earnings.
To address this challenge, TENN is piloting a clean energy solution. The organisation plans to provide solar-powered systems of two to three kilowatts to fishing communities, enabling fishmongers to run freezers and preserve their catch without relying on an unstable national grid.
Dr. Yillia noted that with reliable refrigeration, fishmongers can not only store fresh fish for better prices but also diversify their income by selling cold water, drinks, and other provisions. This creates an alternative livelihood that extends beyond fishing alone.
He further disclosed that the solar refrigeration systems cost approximately 150 million Leones each, equivalent to about 5,500 US dollars. To date, four communities have benefited from the initiative, with a fifth expected to be added. The communities currently covered include Tokeh, Portee, Rokupa, Old Wharf, and Fogbo.
Dr. Yillia emphasised that TENN is committed to sustainability. The organisation works with private sector partners to provide warranties on solar products, monitors systems for up to two years, and trains beneficiaries in business management and record-keeping to ensure long-term success.
One of the beneficiaries, Fatmata Kamara, said the support will indeed help provide an alternative source of livelihood for her home. She explained that the funds will help cover household needs such as food and school fees. Kamara added that fishmongers have been struggling with losses, especially during the closed season, when there is no means of preserving fish, and the cost of spoilage has been devastating.
Beyond the direct financial support, TENN has established several fishing associations to foster trust, accountability, and financial inclusion among fishmongers. These groups operate under the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) model and have been instrumental in improving the economic status of their members.
The recognised groups include the Self-Help Fishermen and Woman Fit Money in Old Wharf, the Legbo Chain Fishing Group and Herring Canoe Union in Tokeh, the Woman Labor, Fishing Man Union, Amiya-Outboard Fishing, and Inanehty Women’s Association in Fogbo, as well as the Sisters for Real Women’s Association, Tabortsaneh Fishing Men Association, and the Fish Men Association, also known as Quick Action, in Portee and Rokupa.
TENN operates under a mission it calls BREAD for Life, which stands for Building Resilient Ecosystems Around Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) to improve livelihoods. The organisation works to strengthen healthcare systems in off-grid communities, enhance livelihoods and small businesses with clean energy innovations, promote clean cooking solutions for healthier low-carbon living, and support entrepreneurs and startups in the renewable energy sector. By facilitating regional knowledge exchange, market development, and policy advocacy, TENN fosters a more inclusive and resilient energy ecosystem for lasting impact.
The organisation extended its gratitude to the Ministry of Fisheries, MoPED, the Western Area Rural District Council, GO Green Solar SL Limited, Salone Solar, and GOAL Sierra Leone for honouring its invitation and witnessing the event. Special thanks were given to Community Foundation Ireland for its commitment and funding, as well as to Mastercard Foundation, Restless Development, Selco Foundation, the World Bank Group, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Jersey Overseas Aid, the SDG Hub, and Women In Energy Sierra Leone Limited.
Dr. Yillia acknowledged that challenges remain and that not every community will benefit immediately. However, he reaffirmed TENN’s commitment to scaling the initiative across the country. He noted that Sierra Leone has over 700 landing sites for fishing communities, and TENN is determined to expand its reach with continued support from partners and the government.
Empowered fishmongers are now better positioned to transition from smoke-heavy traditional fish processing to cleaner, healthier, and more economically viable livelihoods. TENN believes that combining direct financial support with renewable energy access and community savings structures creates a durable foundation for lasting change.
Dr. Paul T. Yillia, Manager and Chief of Operations, reaffirmed that empowerment remains the catalyst for progress and that TENN remains committed to building resilient communities with decentralized renewable energy.
