Wedoany.com Report-Feb 5, The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has advanced the implementation of the Africa Mini-grids Programme (AMP) in Nigeria, signing grant agreements for the development of 23 mini-grids across six geopolitical zones.
The initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to expand clean energy access and support agricultural development.
At the signing ceremony, the REA awarded grants totalling $5.91 million to 18 renewable energy developers. The mini-grids, with capacities ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp, are expected to benefit over 70,000 Nigerians, providing more than 600 productive use connections and 375 social connections.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen rural agricultural value chains and accelerate energy access in underserved communities.The AMP was launched in 2022 and operates in 21 African countries. In Nigeria, the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to promote decentralised renewable energy solutions.
REA Managing Director and CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, stated that the AMP would not only power homes but also support businesses, create jobs, and reduce energy poverty. He emphasised that energy access is essential for agricultural productivity, economic growth, and inclusion.
GEF Operational Focal Person and Director Stanley Jonah at the Federal Ministry of Environment stressed the programme’s potential to enhance agricultural value chains and improve living standards in rural areas.
“The completion of the AMP projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but impact the quality of lives of rural dwellers,” he explained, adding that the GEF remains committed to the growth of the energy access ecosystem.
UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah, represented by Muyiwa Odele, commended the REA’s implementation approach, noting that the project could serve as a model for other African countries.
The AMP Programme Lead at REA, Dr Bala Tyoden, urged grant recipients to uphold high standards, ensure transparency, and encourage female inclusion in their workforce. He reaffirmed REA’s commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions to last-mile communities.
The AMP’s pilot phase will prioritise 23 sites selected from a pipeline of 120 developed under the Energising Agriculture Programme (EAP). These sites focus on grain processing, food production, non-grain processing, and cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses.
The mini-grids, with a 48-month implementation timeline, aim to improve the financial viability of renewable energy projects and attract commercial investment in Nigeria’s mini-grid sector.
