Seoul, South Korea, September, 2025: The Government of Sierra Leone and leading Korean Companies signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote solar energy projects and strengthen bilateral cooperation in renewable energy.
The signing ceremony brought together representatives from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Korea, the Sierra Leone Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Sannoh, the Sierra Leone Economic Commission, Hyunmyung Group Chairman Baek Hyun-joo, World Cultural Economy Forum Vice Chairman Lee Seong-woo, and Wangsan Electric Solar CEO Park Byeong-hee. This epoch making event signals Sierra Leone’s commitment to clean energy and also marked a major step toward expanding the potential for cooperation between the two countries.
Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, faces unstable power supplies despite its abundant natural resources. This has led many regions to desperately seek solutions to ensure a stable power supply. Solar energy is emerging as a key alternative to address Sierra Leone’s energy challenges. Solar power, a technology that offers an environmentally friendly solution to climate change, has the potential to become a crucial energy source for many countries across the African continent.
Sierra Leone has already promoted the use of clean energy at the government level and has developed various plans to develop renewable energy industries, including solar energy. This agreement marks a significant turning point toward achieving these national goals.
This MOU primarily focused on providing technical and financial support related to the construction of a solar power plant. Hyunmyung Group Chairman Baek Hyun-joo stated, “We expect this collaboration to introduce a reliable solar energy system to Sierra Leone. We will play a key role in solving Sierra Leone’s energy challenges by providing thorough technical support and ongoing collaboration from the outset.”
Lee Seong-woo, Vice President of the World Cultural Economy Forum, said, “Sierra Leone and Korea have maintained close diplomatic relations since the past, and this solar power project cooperation will be an important opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.” He added, “This project will go beyond simple economic benefits and contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and social development through sustainable energy generation.”
Park Byeong-hee, CEO of Wangsan Electric, said, “Wangsan Electric plans to transfer solar power technology to Sierra Leone and also run a program to train local experts,” adding, “By providing technical support and establishing a localized system, we will contribute to achieving energy independence in Sierra Leone.”
Sierra Leone’s Economic Commission gave this agreement a very positive evaluation. The representative of the Economic Commission stated, “This agreement represents a significant opportunity for Sierra Leone to expand its role in the global energy market and accelerate economic growth.” He added, “Energy security is a fundamental foundation for national development, and cooperation with Korea is crucial to achieving this goal.”
Through this project, the Sierra Leone government plans to expand the use of clean energy, foster the development of the solar industry, and establish a sustainable energy supply network for the future. This will provide a stable power supply to local residents and bring economic benefits such as reduced energy costs.
Cooperation between Sierra Leone and Korea extends beyond the energy sector. The two countries have significant potential to expand cooperation in various areas, including economy, culture, and education. Sierra Leone will leverage Korea’s advanced technologies to achieve national development, while Korea will have the opportunity to further strengthen its influence in the African market. Furthermore, this solar power project will mark a significant milestone in a partnership built on mutual understanding and trust between the two countries.
This MOU signing is seen as a symbolic event that goes beyond a simple business agreement and solidifies the two countries’ commitment to moving forward together toward a sustainable future. The Sierra Leone government anticipates that this collaboration will address its energy challenges and create a new engine for economic growth.
Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources worldwide today, enabling environmentally friendly and sustainable development. Through this agreement, Sierra Leone will be able to drive innovative changes in the energy sector, and through cooperation with Korea, it will be able to present a new growth model for the African continent.
