The Nigerian government has signed a $200 million agreement with WeLight, a pan-African Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) company, to deploy hundreds of renewable mini-grids across the country. The initiative aims to provide reliable electricity to millions of people in rural communities and peri-urban areas.
As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is working to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix from 22% to 50%. The deal marks a key step in attracting private investment to accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition.
Backed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, the project will develop and operate 400 mini-grids and 50 MetroGrids in underserved areas. The initiative is expected to enhance electricity access for an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people while boosting local economies.
WeLight, which is supported by major international firms including Axian Group, Sagemcom, and Norfund, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The government agency is responsible for expanding electricity access to millions of Nigerians without grid connections.
“This MoU not only represents a leap toward providing clean electricity to millions in Nigeria but also supports WeLight’s ambition to become a truly pan-African company,” said Romain de Villeneuve, Chief Executive Officer of WeLight.
The project is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to scale up renewable energy solutions and improve energy access, particularly in rural regions that have long struggled with unreliable power supply.
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