The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has officially launched the Africa Mini-grids Programme(AMP) as part of efforts to expand energy access across Nigeria.
AMP, a four-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria launched last Thursday, aims to support access to clean energy by increasing the financial viability, and promoting scaled-up commercial investment in renewable energy mini-grids, with a focus on cost-reduction levers and innovative business models.
The programme is active in 21 African Countries and the project implemented by the REA is the first to commence implementation following the official launch at an inception workshop hosted in collaboration with representatives from the UNDP, GEF, Federal Ministries of Power, Environment and Agriculture as well as other key stakeholders in the rural development space.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria mentioned that the UNDP is delighted with the launch of the Africa Minigrids Program national project in Nigeria with the Rural Electrification Agency as the project’s implementing partner.
He said, “access to reliable, sustainable, affordable energy is a catalyst to socio-economic development, and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” He further added, “by scaling up solutions such as renewable energy minigrids, we will be able to close the energy access gap and unlock opportunities for people in Nigeria and across the region.”
