UN-Backed Nigeria Fund Targets $500M to Boost Renewable Energy Access

TLDR
- Nigeria, along with the United Nations, has set a $500 million target for a fund to expand access to renewable energy
- The initiative is backed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
- This fund is part of the Mission 300 program, an initiative by the World Bank and AfDB, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people
Nigeria, along with the United Nations, has set a $500 million target for a fund to expand access to renewable energy, especially in rural areas. The fund will focus on solar home systems and mini-grids, with a particular emphasis on providing energy to underserved communities.
The initiative is backed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and will be managed by Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform created by the African Development Bank (AfDB). SEforALL CEO Damilola Ogunbiyi emphasized that the fund will be available in local currency, making it more accessible to local developers and encouraging investment in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
This fund is part of the Mission 300 program, an initiative by the World Bank and AfDB, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. In addition, Africa50 is launching a separate $200 million Africa Solar Facility to support renewable energy projects across the continent. Currently, 86 million Nigerians lack access to electricity, highlighting the urgency of solutions like mini-grids and solar home systems to address the country’s energy crisis.
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Key Takeaways
The creation of the $500 million fund marks a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s long-standing electricity deficit, which has stunted economic growth. With over 86 million people lacking electricity, initiatives like Mission 300 and the renewable energy fund are crucial to providing affordable, reliable energy. Mini-grids and solar systems are becoming essential for providing electricity to rural areas, where the national grid is often inaccessible. The investment, supported by international financial institutions, underscores the growing importance of renewable energy in Africa’s development. Bridging Nigeria’s electricity gap will require large-scale funding and regulatory reforms, with renewable energy expected to play a central role in driving energy security and economic development across the continent.






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