Our Journey
💡 2011–2012
- Identified the energy access problem in Sierra Leone
- Researched the energy sector
- Built partnerships with manufacturers and industry leaders
💡 2013
- Joined the Fellowship Programme at School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE)
💡 2014
- Completed first pilot study (sponsored by PWC)
- Faced Ebola-related challenges
💡 2015–2016
- Attended events and expanded media presence
- Signed the Sierra Leone Energy Compact Agreement
- Registered STL as a private company in Sierra Leone
💡 2017
- Attended CSW61 in New York
- Participated in SE4ALL PCA in Iceland
💡 2018
- Featured in Hackney Gazette and Paloma Faith’s “Warrior” video
- Attended SE4ALL Forum in Lisbon
- Received grants from DFID/Comic Relief and UN Women
💡 2019
- Launched operations in Lunsar, Tombo, and Kamakwie
- Started cash sales of Sun King solar products
- Launched OneChildOneLamp Campaign
- Received funding from GIZ and formed partnership with USAID
- Registered STL as a CIC in the UK
💡 2020–2022
- Adapted during COVID-19 pandemic
- Ran PAYG pilot with FOSERA (Rome Foundation)
- Received SHINE Campaign Recovery Funding
- Awarded Fellows Future Fund (SSE)
- Due diligence visit from Whole Planet Foundation
💡 2023
- Published report on PAYG Solar Home Systems
- Received inventory finance from Whole Planet Foundation
- Hosted women’s energy access webinar
- Won National Business Award (Sierra Leone Business Council)
- Launched animated video
- Joined 60 Decibels Energy Impact Study
💡 2024
- Pro-Bono Partnership with Norton Rose Fulbright LLP Amsterdam
- FCDO 2024 Transforming Energy Access Forum, Rwanda
- STL recognised in the 60 Decibels "Why Off-Grid Energy Matters 2024" Report
- STL announced as a 60 Decibels 2024 Top Performer for Customer Effort Score
- Partnership with SPARK Manufacturers based in the Netherlands
- Shipment & Clearance of SPARK PAYG Products
- USAID Power Africa WAEP Close Out Event, Ghana
- 2nd Funding from Whole Planet Foundation
- ECOWAS ROGEAP PFM Training
- Funding received from EA Foundation
- Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo 2024, Kenya
- Named Top Performer by 60 Decibels & GOGLA for Consumer Protection
- Hosted Financial Inclusion Webinar for Women
- Received donation from Norton Rose Fulbright LLP Amsterdam
- Launched STL Christmas Campaign
- Recognised by World Bank Group as influential voice in Energy Sector
💡 2025
- Recognised by World Bank Group as influential voice in Energy Sector
- Featured by Advocates for International Development (A4ID)
- Opened new Freetown office
- Launched two new hubs: Buya Romende Chiefdom & Port Loko
- Team grows to 16 staff in Sierra Leone, supported by 9 UK Advisory Board members