Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has teamed up with Sun King, a global off-grid solar company. This deal aims to grow local manufacturing, expand clean energy access, and save $150 million in solar imports over five years.
Signed in Abuja at the Nigeria Renewable Energy Forum, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Sun King’s CEO, Patrick Walsh, witnessed the agreement.
Local Manufacturing Push
The partnership focuses on making solar panels, home systems, and energy-efficient appliances like freezers in Nigeria. This supports the Nigeria First policy, which aims to create jobs and cut reliance on imported energy products.
Sun King believes local production could replace $150 million in imports and create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and customer support.
“This deal links energy access with industrial growth,” said REA’s Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
“It’s a big step for Nigeria’s clean energy future.”
Data-Driven Energy Solutions
The agreement includes sharing data and technical know-how. By pooling consumer data and market insights, REA and Sun King will improve programs like the Nigeria Electrification Project.
This will also support Mission 300, a global plan to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. Nigeria plays a key role in this effort.
Promoting Solar Power
REA and Sun King will advocate for policies to make solar systems a core part of Nigeria’s energy mix. They aim to attract private investment and show how solar solutions help rural and peri-urban areas. With millions in Nigeria lacking electricity, off-grid solar can transform lives and reduce import costs.
Jobs and Economic Growth
Sun King’s sales in Nigeria have grown from 3,000 solar kits monthly in 2020 to 75,000 today. The company plans to triple sales as demand for affordable power rises.
The partnership will add thousands of jobs in engineering, sales, and customer service, building on the 12,000 jobs Sun King has created.
Vice President Shettima said, “We’re improving regulations and incentives to grow Nigeria’s clean energy market. This partnership shows our commitment.”
A Model for Africa
This deal could inspire other African countries to blend renewable energy with industrial growth. It aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and global sustainability goals.
By boosting local production and energy access, Nigeria aims for a brighter, energy-secure future.
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