REA, GEF, UNDP Advance Implementation of the Africa Mini-grid Program (AMP), Sign Grant Agreements to Deliver 23 Mini-Grids Across Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to advance the nation’s clean energy ecosystem and catalyze socio-economic development through the deployment of clean energy infrastructure for agricultural development, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has advanced the implementation of the Africa Mini-grids Program. An impact-focused initiative active in 21 countries, the Africa Mini-Grids Program (AMP), launched in 2022, is being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria.
On Friday the 31st of January 2025, the REA convened the AMP Grant Award Ceremony, signaling the kick off of the development of 23 additional mini-grids across 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria, with capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp. This intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections. 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91 million.
Since its activation, the REA has worked in lockstep with the GEF, the UNDP, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other frontline stakeholders in the energy access ecosystem to develop and strengthen community-centered objectives of the AMP. The GEF-funded AMP has enabled the sector to further x-ray the rural agricultural value chains, while creating a pathway for accelerated, sustainable energy access in last-mile Nigeria.
The AMP’s innovative model further guarantees that public and private stakeholders work in lockstep in their commitment to sustainable energy solutions for agricultural development and food security in Nigeria. As a unique initiative, the GEF-funded AMP is set to create a replicable framework that aligns with the nation’s energy transition goals and serves as an exemplar model in sub-Saharan Africa. As the REA advances the Program, mapping out viable communities and exploring business models, it is set to redefine rural electrification in Nigeria.
Out of an impressive 120 sites in the ag-energy pipeline, developed through the Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP), 23 sites have been prioritized for the pilot phase of the AMP, spread across the 6 geographical zones of the nation. These sites reflect diverse agricultural activities across these zones with a focus on grain processing; enhancing energy efficiency in staple food production, non-grain processing; strengthening support and value addition for cash crops and other agro byproducts and Cold Storage; to reduce post-harvest losses and enabling access to cooling and refrigeration solutions.
While speaking on the REA’s productive and impactful partnership with the GEF and UNDP, the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu explained that “the AMP aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on the optimization of decentralized renewable energy solutions to catalyze growth and unlock opportunities in the agricultural sector”. He added that the “REA’s focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate as agriculture remains a central industry that will aid economic growth and inclusion, if well harnessed. Beyond powering homes, the implementation of the AMP will energize businesses, strengthen innovation in the sector, foster job creation, and reduce energy poverty across the country”.
Mr. Stanley Jonah, the GEF Operational Focal Person and Director, PRS, Federal Ministry of Environment while reiterating the transformative impact of the AMP, explained that “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 that the GEF remains committed to the growth of the energy access ecosystem.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, represented by Muyiwa Odele, Head of Climate Change Unit, UNDP Nigeria, while commending the REA’s project implementation culture explained that the timely delivery of the AMP energy access interventions will catalyze broader opportunities for the private sector and serve as a guide for the over 21 implementing countries in Africa.
The AMP Programme Lead at the REA, Dr. Bala Tyoden, while commending the renewable energy developers for working in lockstep with the REA on the implementation of the AMP, urged the grantees to “uphold the culture of compliance and adherence to standards and specifications as well as transparency in line with the REA’s mandate”. Dr. Tyoden added that the REA and its partners are committed to the delivery of efficient and sustainable infrastructure to Nigerians in last-mile communities. While speaking on the Program’s gender marker, he urged the Developers to encourage female inclusion within their workforce to improve female participation in the energy sector.
With a 48-month timeline, the AMP-funded mini-grids are targeted at catalyzing access to energy efficient, sustainable infrastructure for small-holder farmers in last-mile communities. The program will enable accelerated increase in the financial viability and promotion scaled-up commercial investment in mini-grids in Nigeria.