The newly elected President, Mr Kofie Macauley paid a curtsey visit to the GIZ/EnDev team to familiarize and get a clearer picture of their current activities and objectives and to also find possible ways of strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.

Since the inception of REASL, GIZ/EnDev has provided them with a shared office space as part of the program’s support to the renewable energy sector in Sierra Leone.

In their introduction, the Program Officer Foday Sheku Dumbuya thanked him for such a kind gesture benefitting from one of his first visits as president. He highlighted some of their activities which include:

• Quality and sustainability in Solar Installations
• Sustainable markets for Pico PV
• Outreach, Marketing and Awareness
• Solar Dryers for Cocoa Farmers
• Promoting Improved cook stoves
• Renewable Energy Capacity Building and
• Digital solutions for Renewables which includes a mobile app for data collection and a web portal (www.renewables-salone.info).

In his response, Mr Kofie Macauley commended GIZ/EnDev on their work so far but had some reservations about their exit strategy (if any exists) and methodology. He stated that most donor projects fold up after the implementing partners are gone; therefore it will be an added advantage if more local organizations are equipped with the required capacities to handle activities in the long run. He mentioned some areas where EnDev can improve on implementation

• GIZ/EnDev should try to channel their work through REASL
• Identify areas where RE concept could be taken (Identify IPPs using diesel/petrol generators to supply electricity in rural communities and create awareness about RE (Solar))
• Data Collection: Mr Macauley suggested that data should be centrally accessible via REASL. Mr Macauley also suggested that all data collected from partners should be vetted thoroughly as some installations are not working.
• He also suggested that both REASL and GIZ/EnDev can come together and do radio and television programs (awareness campaigns).
• REASL companies to benefit from training programs (generally and specifically). GIZ/EnDev should provide trainings to companies that request through REASL.

A meeting in the future between both parties was agreed