EA Foundation Extends Funding and Partnership with Smiling Through Light for Second Round of £40,000 Investment
EA Foundation has announced the extension of its funding and strategic partnership with Smiling Through Light (STL), approving a second round of funding amounting to £40,000 to support a new project titled “Sustained Innovation in Renewable PAYG Solutions in Sierra Leone.”
This renewed investment builds on the success of the initial collaboration between EA Foundation and Smiling Through Light, which focused on expanding access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy solutions for underserved communities across Sierra Leone.
“We welcome this grant which allows us to invest in sustained innovation across our PAYG renewable energy model—building sales capability, strengthening systems, and accelerating access to clean energy in off-grid communities in Sierra Leone.” said Alexandros Germanis, Non-Executive Director of Smiling Through Light
The new project entitled Sustained Innovation in Renewable PAYG Solutions in Sierra Leone will strengthen and scale Smiling Through Light’s Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) renewable energy model. The initiative aims to improve affordability, reliability, and long-term sustainability of clean energy access for low-income households and small businesses, while fostering local innovation and operational resilience within the renewable energy ecosystem.
Richard Bronze, Chair of EA Foundation’s Board of Trustees said, “This second phase of funding underscores our continued confidence in Smiling Through Light’s mission, leadership and impact-driven approach to renewable energy innovation.”
Smiling Through Light will use the £40,000 funding to enhance product innovation, optimise PAYG systems, develop a standardised and effective system of selling and upskilling our sales team through transformational training. Key focus will be on professional sales training methodologies, commission-based sales and staff development. This will support the female sales agents to grow and develop their skills and capabilities that ensure long-term adoption and financial sustainability of renewable energy solutions.
“This continued support from EA Foundation is both a vote of confidence and a powerful catalyst for our next phase of growth,” said Mariama Kamara, Founder & Director of Smiling Through Light. “With this funding, focus will be on training and upskilling our team which will deepen our impact and continue working toward a future where clean, affordable energy is accessible to all Sierra Leoneans.”
The project aligns with broader national and global goals for climate resilience, energy access and sustainable development, contributing directly to improved livelihoods, reduced reliance on fossil fuels and enhanced economic opportunities in off-grid and underserved communities.
