EFO

Energy For Opportunity (EFO) is a not-for-profit organization working to improve livelihoods in West Africa through the provision and installation of clean, sustainable, photovoltaic, electricity-generating infrastructure. It was established in 2008 by two individuals, Simon Willans and Paul Munro, who had previously worked together on a number of renewable energy projects in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Uganda. The organization has continued to grow, as numerous other people have joined the cause, helping EFO towards the achievement of its goals.  The need for EFO’s work is clearly evident, with a large proportion of the world’s population lacking access to modern forms of electricity, a problem that is particularly acute in West Africa, which is home to some of the least developed regions in the world. EFO works directly with local partners in its target countries to implement projects in four related program areas: Skills Training, Livelihoods, Health and Education. The organization also supports efforts to mainstream solar power in the region through its Promoting Solar programme, working with a variety of partners, including International Non-Governmental Organizations, Government Bodies and Private Sector entities.   Energy For Opportunity is a registered charity in Canada (80016 8551 RR0001) and is pursuing its registration in Australia. The organization is represented in the region through a locally registered affiliate, based in Sierra Leone (NNGO/186/2016-2017), that not only directly implements its own programmes and projects but also acts as a hub for the organization to expand across the region. A second affiliate has been registered in Ghana and full project implementation will commence in 2017. This governance arrangement allows EFO to connect with the larger international community while developing vital local networks.