Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Government of Sierra Leone has announced its backing for a landmark renewable energy project on Sherbro Island, where Akuna Group and UK-based Octopus Energy are set to construct the country’s first-ever wind farm.
The project, scheduled for completion in March 2026, will also be Octopus Energy’s debut clean energy venture in Africa.
The company, which manages over 350 renewable energy farms worldwide, will combine wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage systems to provide electricity for more than 1,500 homes on the island.
The partnership was initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Akuna Group—co-founded by Idris Elba—and Octopus Energy.
Since then, the collaboration has gained strong government support, with Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and Octopus Energy CEO Zoisa North-Bond holding follow-up discussions at key international platforms, including Global Citizen Now in the United States, the UN General Assembly in New York, and the Sierra Leone Investment Forum.
Sherbro Island was selected as the pilot site, and with regulatory approvals already secured, authorities say the project could be replicated in other regions to expand renewable power generation nationwide.
“This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to sustainable energy, skills development, and long-term economic growth,” officials stated, emphasizing the importance of building partnerships that can strengthen Sierra Leone’s energy future.
