The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), in collaboration with Ecobank Nigeria, has announced plans to train 50 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the solar energy sector through a three-day Entrepreneurship Business Training workshop in Lagos.
According to a statement released on Monday, the workshop aims to equip SMEs with essential technical, financial, and business management skills to help them thrive in Nigeria’s fast-growing renewable energy industry.
The training will cover key topics such as an overview of ROGEAP, available grant opportunities, applications of off-grid solar systems, quality standards, and strategies for expanding market reach.
Speaking on the initiative, the Divisional Head, FCT/North at Ecobank Nigeria, Tunde Dawodu, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs, recognizing their vital role in economic development.
“As a bank, we recognize the significant contribution of SMEs to the economy, including their role in job creation and GDP growth. When SMEs succeed, we all succeed — the bank, the entrepreneurs, and the country at large,” Dawodu stated.
He added that the workshop aligns with Ecobank’s Ellevate Program and Single Market Trade Hub, which offer financial products, digital tools, and market expansion strategies tailored for SMEs.
Also speaking, ROGEAP Project Fund Manager, Salamatu Baba, highlighted the broader impact of the training on West Africa’s renewable energy landscape.
“This workshop is more than just a learning event; it’s an investment in the future of clean energy. By equipping solar entrepreneurs with the right knowledge, tools, and networks, we are creating a resilient ecosystem that will drive energy access and job creation across underserved communities,” she said.
Beyond Lagos, the partnership between ROGEAP and Ecobank will also extend the entrepreneurship training to SMEs in Abuja, further strengthening the capabilities of local businesses in the off-grid electricity sector.
ROGEAP is a regional initiative that promotes off-grid solar solutions to improve electricity access in West Africa. The project supports businesses and individuals with funding opportunities and technical assistance to expand clean energy adoption.
With Nigeria facing electricity supply challenges, investments in solar energy are seen as a key solution to bridging the power gap, especially in rural and underserved areas. The training program is expected to empower SMEs with the skills and financial knowledge needed to tap into this growing market.
