Solar energy investors and industry stakeholders are intensifying efforts to address Nigeria’s electricity crisis through increased investment in renewable energy, mini-grids and energy storage solutions.

The move comes amid persistent electricity challenges facing households and businesses, with about 86 million Nigerians reportedly lacking access to reliable grid electricity.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos ahead of the Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) 2026, Benjamin Clark, director of operations at the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), said Nigeria was emerging as a major player in Africa’s solar energy market.

He disclosed that Nigeria had approximately 620 megawatts of operational solar capacity, making it the leading country in West Africa, while its annual solar additions increased from 15MW in 2019 to 123MW in 2024.

Clark said the country’s solar market could record further growth in 2026, with new projects and partnerships expected to expand electricity access.

He also announced that more than 600MW in framework agreements had been signed with Nigerian partners to support commercial, industrial and residential rooftop solar installations.

However, industry stakeholders said financing, technical capacity and project development remained major challenges to expanding renewable energy access.

Ololade Raji, technical services manager for West Africa at Alpha ESS, said Africa’s challenge was not necessarily a lack of resources or capital, but the ability to develop bankable projects and connect them with investors.

He identified proper feasibility studies, reliable payment models, skilled local engineers and compliance with technical standards as essential to attracting investment.

Similarly, Olamide Niyi-Afuye, chief executive officer of the Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA), said expanding electricity access should go beyond connecting communities to power and focus on the economic activities reliable electricity could support.

He highlighted agricultural processing, cold storage, local manufacturing and industrialisation as areas that could benefit from improved electricity supply.

Niyi-Afuye added that Africa’s mini-grid sector required between $28 billion and $46 billion in investment to connect approximately 150 million people.

Meanwhile, Esther Eyenobong, sales manager at Jinko Solar Nigeria, emphasised the importance of local partnerships and after-sales technical support in ensuring the long-term reliability of solar installations.

The Renewable Energy Forum Africa 2026 is scheduled for November 25 and 26 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the patronage of the Rural Electrification Agency.

The forum is expected to connect investors, project developers and technology providers to accelerate renewable energy investment across Africa.