ECOWAS, Ecobank, and World Bank Partner to Boost Nigeria’s Off-Grid Solar Sector.
By Raymond Enoch
ECOWAS, Eco-Bank and World Bank in a bid to drive sustainable development and foster innovation in Nigeria’s off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) sector, has launched a groundbreaking capacity-building initiative, empowering than 50 entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sector to gain vital skills and knowledge to fuel their business growth and contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy goals.
The capacity building training officially opened by Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, the workshop kicked off on Monday, March 10th, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. running through March 12, 2025. The event is designed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of various essential aspects of the off-grid solar PV industry, including the ROGEAP (Regional Off-Grid Electrification Access Programme) subsidy mechanism, access to financing, and the implementation of quality assurance standards.
Professor Darma emphasized the importance of capacity building in achieving sustainable energy solutions across the West African region. “This initiative is crucial in empowering entrepreneurs who will lead the transition to cleaner, more reliable energy solutions in rural and underserved areas,” he said at the launch.
The workshop’s is packaged to cover key areas such as mastering off-grid solar PV technology, understanding environmental and social impacts, as well as developing effective business models and strategies for market expansion.
With these skills, participants will not only enhance their technical capabilities but will also gain the tools needed to scale their businesses in a rapidly growing market.
This collaboration comes at a critical time when Nigeria is looking for innovative solutions to address its energy deficit, especially in remote areas where grid connectivity is scarce. The off-grid solar PV sector offers immense potential for job creation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, making it a focal point of national energy strategies.
For Ecobank Nigeria and the World Bank, this capacity-building initiative aligns with their shared vision to support economic development through entrepreneurship and the promotion of green energy solutions. By empowering local SMEs with the necessary tools and resources, these organizations are fostering a new wave of energy entrepreneurs that will help drive Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute to broader regional integration and energy security.
As the workshop continues, more entrepreneurs are expected to gain valuable insights, ready to expand their businesses, access funding, and contribute to a brighter, greener future for Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.
The initiative underscores the transformative power of collaboration in achieving sustainable economic growth, particularly in sectors that hold the key to addressing climate change and promoting energy access for all.
