Publications

Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential in Women-Led MSEs in Nigeria Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Nigeria are the backbone of the country’s private sector, playing a major role in economic output, gender inclusion, and employment. This factsheet is based on the comprehensive energy audit conducted in June 2025, surveying 1,000 women-led Micro, and Small Enterprises (MSEs) across Abuja…

Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its agricultural and energy transition journey. Its food systems are under growing pressure from the realities of climate change, persistent rural poverty, and energy insecurity, to the social inequities that continue to burden women and youth who form the backbone of production and processing. Yet, within these challenges…

Nigeria’s renewable energy (RE) sector faces a persistent financing gap, with commercial naira loans priced at 20–35% interest, short tenors, and heavy collateral requirements. Foreign currency loans further expose developers to exchange rate risks. These conditions make most RE projects unviable for developers, investors, and consumers. This policy brief sets out a framework for scaling concessional naira-based finance…

Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads in its energy journey, abundantly endowed with renewable energy resources from solar, hydropower, and biomass, yet struggling with chronic energy poverty. According to the World Bank (2025), more than 86 million Nigerians remain without electricity, the largest number globally for three consecutive years, while over 175 million people also…

Nigeria needs over $10 billion annually to meet its renewable energy goals, yet traditional financing remains limited.That’s why Green Bonds are the game-changer: they provide long-term, low-interest capital for climate-smart projects while attracting institutional investors seeking sustainable returns. REAN and Heinrich Boell Foundation Abuja are promoting the increased issuance of renewable energy–focused green bonds, working…

Powering Growth Through Local Manufacturing Did you know that Nigeria imports over 80–90% of its solar equipment?
This heavy reliance on imports increases costs, delays projects, and limits job creation. Building local manufacturing and supply chains is key to reducing costs, boosting energy security, and creating thousands of jobs in fabrication, assembly, logistics, and services. That’s…

Nigeria’s renewable energy sector is growing but the talent needed to sustain it is leaving. The rise in workforce migration, often referred to as the “japa” trend, is creating gaps in technical expertise, increasing project costs, and slowing implementation. At the same time, many workers in the sector lack structured training and certification. Building a…

Nigeria’s grid struggles to deliver 5,000 MW to almost 250 million people, making Renewable  Energy critical for electrification, economic growth, and climate goals. Solar and hydro power generate about 8,000 GWh annually, with solar PV growing over 200% and supporting mini-grids, rooftop systems, and rural jobs. Yet, this growth is limited by high-interest rates (up…

More than 86 million Nigerians live without access to electricity, while those connected to the grid face frequent blackouts because the ageing grid is fragile, and incapable of meeting rising demand. Our power crisis remains a major barrier to national growth, affecting millions every day. This widespread energy poverty reduces productivity, hinders small businesses, and…

Nigeria’s clean energy future is stalled not because of technology, but because of finance. With targets for universal electricity access and clean energy adoption, scaling renewable energy has never been more urgent. Yet, one major hurdle stands in the way, the absence of affordable, Naira-based concessional financing for renewable energy projects.