Nigeria Emerges as Key Player in Solar Investment

Nigeria has emerged as a prominent market for small-scale solar investment in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a report by BloombergNEF released on Wednesday. The report, titled "Sub-Saharan Africa Clean Energy Market Outlook 2026," reveals that clean energy investment in the region hit a record $13.5 billion in 2025, with Nigeria identified as a key player in small-scale solar growth.

Economic factors, particularly rising electricity prices, are driving the transition to renewable energy, as consumers and businesses seek alternatives to expensive and unreliable grid electricity. In 2025, the region installed 13 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery capacity, with projections for annual additions to reach 29 gigawatts by 2030.

Investment in small-scale solar more than doubled to $8.5 billion year-on-year. The report also highlights the shift from petrol and diesel generators to renewable energy solutions, particularly off-grid systems, to address the electricity access challenges faced by over 560 million people in the region.