World Bank Mini-Grids Powers 6m Nigerians

A recent World Bank report reveals that Nigeria has connected nearly six million people to
electricity through over 170 mini-grids and 1.2 million stand-alone solar systems, as part of
its decentralised renewable energy efforts despite still having the world’s largest electricity
access deficit.
The report, “Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2025,” released on Friday,
recognises Nigeria as a growing leader in clean energy adoption, even amid persistent
challenges with its national grid.
These energy deployments are tied to Mission 300, a global initiative aimed at accelerating
access to electricity through decentralised energy solutions.
“These technologies deliver reliable, clean, and affordable electricity, enabling quicker
deployment while boosting local economic growth in some of Africa’s poorest and most
remote areas. In Nigeria, for example, mini-grid initiatives have provided power to nearly 6
million people through over 170 mini-grids and around 1.2 million stand-alone solar
systems,” the report stated.
The Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) also highlighted Nigeria as home to
one of the most dynamic mini-grid markets in Africa.
“Mini-grids are expanding in scale and moving toward countries with supportive financial and
regulatory environments and Nigeria is at the forefront of this shift,” AMDA stated in its 2025
market trends report.
From 2022 to 2024, the average number of connections per mini-grid in Nigeria almost
doubled, increasing from 244 to 458.
According to the report, the rapid growth of Nigeria’s mini-grid sector between 2022 and
2024 has been largely fueled by rising investor confidence, improved regulatory frameworks,
and greater access to concessional financing. These factors have created a more attractive
environment for developers, allowing for larger projects and broader reach.
The Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) noted that the average number of
connections per mini-grid in Nigeria nearly doubled within two years from 244 in 2022 to 458
in 2024. This increase reflects not only growing demand for off-grid energy but also the
sector’s increasing efficiency and scalability.
Beyond expanding energy access, the mini-grid industry has also emerged as a key driver of
local employment. AMDA revealed that 27 mini-grid companies created more than 6,000
jobs over the past four years, with most of these roles based in the rural communities where
the systems operate. The report underscores that mini-grids are gravitating toward countries
like Nigeria, where supportive financial and regulatory ecosystems are in place, further
cementing the country’s leadership in Africa’s clean energy transition and decentralised
power development.