WeLight Signs MOU with Nigeria’s REA to Deploy 450 Minigrids by 2030

WeLight, a leading pan-African Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) company, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to establish and operate 400 minigrids and 50 MetroGrids by 2030. The agreement is expected to enhance Nigeria’s renewable power infrastructure in rural and peri-urban areas, providing first-time or improved electricity access to an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people.

The initiative aligns with the M300 program, which seeks to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030, and supports the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) program, backed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Additionally, the project is in line with Nigeria’s National Energy Compact, which prioritizes Distributed Renewable Energy solutions to accelerate electrification and attract private sector investments.

WeLight’s large-scale electrification project will contribute to Nigeria’s goal of increasing its renewable energy share from 22% to 50% while securing USD 15.5 billion in private investments. The planned deployment of 100 MWp in off-grid and under-electrified areas is expected to drive Nigeria’s energy transition and foster socioeconomic growth by improving power supply for healthcare, education, and public safety sectors.

Romain de Villeneuve, CEO of WeLight, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “WeLight is delighted to collaborate with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, a key player in the country’s energy transformation. This MOU not only advances our goal of delivering clean electricity to millions in Nigeria but also strengthens our position as a pan-African energy leader. Nigeria is a high-potential market with immense electrification needs, and we are committed to making a lasting impact on local communities.”

The REA–WeLight collaboration is expected to bridge Nigeria’s energy gap, stimulate local enterprise growth, and accelerate economic development in underserved communities.