Sierra Leone Expands Electric Transport Initiative With Training for 100 Drivers

Sierra Leone is expanding a Government–UNDP-backed electric-vehicle transport initiative that combines investment in cleaner mobility with training and employment opportunities for young people and women.

Known as Sierra Ride, the initiative is initially focused on Freetown. Trainees are preparing at the Armed Forces Technical Education Centre (AFTEC) to operate the planned transport service, although no start date for operations has been confirmed.

Funding and infrastructure

Government–UNDP co-financing for the initiative rose from US$1 million in 2025 to US$1.5 million in 2026. The investment supports the design and development of 50 electric vehicles, as well as their shipment, customs and clearance.

The programme also includes solar-powered charging stations, GPS tracking systems, an app for accessing the service and mobile-money payment integration. Training is planned for 100 drivers, while the government is facilitating access to land for charging stations.

The initiative brings together the Ministry of Youth Affairs, UNDP and AFTEC around a transport model intended to connect cleaner mobility with opportunities in the sector. Potential expansion to provincial areas has been identified, but the initial rollout remains concentrated in Freetown.

Training and employment opportunities

Young people and women are participating in the training programme. Yvonne Kamara, one of the trainees, said the experience had strengthened her prospects in a sector where women are seeking equal opportunities.

“The Sierra Ride training has empowered us as women to pursue equal opportunities in the transport sector. Since I started training with Sierra Ride, I feel like my life has changed,” Kamara said.

Patrick Kanneh, another trainee, described the programme as an opportunity to return to work after three years of unemployment.

“This opportunity is a blessing for me. After three years of being unemployed, I finally have a chance to earn a living, support myself and build a better future. I believe Sierra Ride will make a real difference in my life,” Kanneh said.

The source describes the training as an early milestone, with employment and income outcomes expected as participants complete their preparation and begin driving.

Longer-term ambitions

Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh said the initiative is intended to serve the wider population, including people who currently rely on motorcycles and tricycles for daily transport. He said there were ambitions to increase the fleet to 200 electric vehicles through a green fund.

That expansion remains an ambition rather than a confirmed deployment. The government has also indicated that any move beyond Freetown could include provincial areas, but such expansion has not been confirmed.

AFTEC Director Colonel Charles Mambo said the electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe carbon emissions. He described Sierra Ride as a step towards reducing transport pollution and supporting a cleaner and healthier environment.