Lead Organisation: Kiru Energy
Partners: Sun King and Integrity
Region: Nigeria
This campaign is targeting Lagos-based SMEs in commercial hubs in Idumota and Ikeja Computer Village, where energy costs consume over 40% of SME profits. The campaign will build trust in solar technology, clarify costs, and promote peer validation. Delivered in partnership with trade associations, women market leaders, and agencies such as SMEDAN and ASBON, Insights. from engagements with the Energy Transition Office and other stakeholders will inform the design of tools and messaging that empower SMEs to make the switch confidently and sustainably.
Damilola Hamid Balogun. CEO and Co-founder, Youth Sustainable Development Network said:
“We are excited about the Powering Lagos SMEs project because it is about making real impact. It is helping business owners in Ikeja and Idumota reduce their dependence on noisy, expensive generators and see that solar can reliably power their businesses.
To get here, we spoke with over 400 small businesses, engaged generator distributors, and met with market leaders to understand their real energy challenges. Now we are turning those insights into action, installing solar demo solutions right in the markets so traders can see them work, build trust, and start saving money. This project is about making clean energy practical and accessible for the people who need it most.”
- Malawi – Rural Health Centres & Agricultural Cold Storage: Flat-packed portable micro-power station combining solar PV and wind power generators. Led by E-Safiri Charging Ltd. (Female-led Kenyan Company)
- Nigeria – ZEBRAS – Zero-carbon Energy Battery Resource-as-a-Service (EaaS), All Users: Holistic approach combining swapable rechargeable batteries, a containerised renewable generation system, and repurposing of fossil fuel generators ensuring versatile deployment capabilities – whether integrated with the grid or operating independently. Led by MEP Technologies, (Dundee, UK), uniting industry leaders PowerUp Off-Grid Services, Nevadic, The Washing Machine Project (TWMP) and Skrum
- Nigeria – Innovative thermal batteries with integrated thermophotovoltaics to provide clean, baseload energy to displace primary gas generators and backup diesel generators. Piloting atPan Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria with joint studies on how to scale across other sectors. Led by AED Energy Ltd (London, UK)
- Nigeria – Affordable Sustainable Power Access: MOPOMax proprietary generator replacement batteries are rented from solar powered charging hubs on a pay per use basis, providing affordable clean energy to families and businesses suffering from unstable or no grid infrastructure. Led by MOPO Ltd (Sheffield, UK)
- South Africa – Health Clinics: Hybrid renewable energy generation and storage project designed to provide back-up power to health clinics in socially and economically disadvantaged communities across South Africa. The initial demonstration project is planned for three township health clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Led by Stellae Energy (London, UK). Supported by Resilience Energy-South Africa and Rhizome Energy (Dartford, UK).
- Uganda – AI-controlled, optimised renewable energy storage system using second-life electric vehicle batteries and solar, to replace fossil fuel generators in Uganda. Led by Grid AI Ltd (Loughborough, UK)