“I am also excited to announce that we have also progressively converted solar energy solutions in some of our sites as part of this transformative initiative. With 82 sites already transitioned to hybrid, we have potentially reduced CO2 omissions by 500 tons which translates to 20,000 further trees saved annually,” the Managing Director of Africell, Shadi Gerjawi said at the launch of the “Klin Energy” project at their Wilberforce headquarters recently.

He said “Our 2023 commitment is to convert 203 sites to hybrid energy, reducing our reliance on fuel and contributing to cleaner cities, healthier communities, sustainable energy and financial savings to our business in the long run.”

Mr. Shadi said climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet, adding that, they need to actively look for solutions that will preserve the planet.

“Our offices have been powered by uninterrupted, reliable, clean and sustainable solar energy. We have a total of 527 solar energy panels each providing 437w, 3 inverters of 60kw capacity each producing 344,668 kWh of energy every year,” Shadi said. He said their work does not only focus on powering their buildings and sites, they have also introduce the first ever fleet of electrical sales conveyances. These Kekehs driven by our team of female riders are powered by electricity charged through a dedicated solar charging station,” he said, adding that, each Kekeh takes six hours to fully charge and operates for twelve uninterrupted hours.

He said the solar initiative is not only to save money, but to also make commitment to complement and achieve one of UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goal which talks about affordable and clean energy.

UNDP he said has championed initiative like theirs and together they will be looking at energy sharing solutions as part of the ‘Klin Energy’.

Formally launching the project, the Africell Group Chairman described the day as historic, adding that sustainability is important to Africell.

“As a Company serving millions of customers in Sierra Leone and other African countries, there is need for power supply that is reliable, efficient and affordable.  As a good corporate citizen, we also want to make our business clean and green. I believe that communications should be part of the solution to climate change and not part of the problem,” he emphasized.

He pointed out that solar power has huge potential in Africa and Sierra Leone can be a leader in harnessing the sun to drive economic progress and improve the lives of everyone.