Solar energy is booming in Niger, one of the world’s sunniest countries, with sales of increasingly cheap solar panels going up and new projects coming online. An unprecedented energy shortage in 2023 proved a turning point.

The World Bank’s pilot in Niger introduces a comprehensive, tech-driven model to attract private investment in solar hybrid mini grids, aiming to accelerate energy access. Using geospatial tools and regulatory reforms, the approach offers a scalable blueprint for electrification across Africa.

Niger State Government is to transition some of its facilities such as government house, IBB Specialist hospital, water board, and Secretariat among others, off the national grid soon.

d.light will supply solar-powered portable lanterns, solar home systems, inverters, plus associated appliances including fans and televisions for the SOL! Group to sell across the markets in which it operates. SOL! Groupe’s established distribution networks solve the challenge of how to bring d.light’s off-grid solar products to rural areas.

The objectives of the programme is to Expand energy access to 25 million individuals (5 million new connections) through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid, Increase local content in the off grid solar value chain and facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing and assembly industry.

Solar-powered irrigation pumps and other appliances have demonstrated their power to transform Niger by increasing crop yields and production. With $50 million in funding from the International Development Association, NESAP works by extending credit to private companies that sell productive-use appliances such as solar-powered pumps.

Although agricultural products are the country’s second export item, Niger faces considerable food insecurity. The electrification of agricultural production seems like an obvious solution. Solar-powered irrigation pumps and other equipment have proven their potential to transform the country by increasing crop yields and production.

The Opec Fund for International Development (OFID) has signed a $25 million loan agreement with the government of Niger. The funding will support the implementation of a project to electrify thousands of households in three cities using solar photovoltaic energy.

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved $138.21 million in financing for Niger. This funding is intended for the construction of solar photovoltaic power plants and solar mini-grids across the country.

The training tagged “Off Grid Training Programme” was held at Safara Motel in Kontagora local government area of the state at the weekend and is part of a renewed effort towards achieving affordable and clean energy; goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).