Connexus recently won a contract with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to implement an access to finance assessment for last mile electrification in Sierra Leone. Along with our partner Tetra Tech, Connexus will study how the increased availability and reliability of electricity can be a platform for economic growth in the agricultural sector. This research will inform ongoing discussions between the MCC and the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) to develop a compact to leverage access to electricity for post-harvest value-addition.
The goal of this study is to examine the financial environment, assess opportunities and constraints to improving access to finance in agriculture, and identify appropriate financial instruments to increase productive use of electricity. The study will also evaluate the knowledge, skills, and ability of agricultural value chain actors to access financial, technical assistance, and training resources that are critical to leveraging productive power infrastructure. Finally, the study will assess opportunities and recommend interventions (financial and technical) to overcome barriers to post-harvest value-addition.
Field work for this study begins in October 2022 and is research is expected to continue through March 2023.