- Sun King and REA sign MoU to strengthen renewable energy collaboration and boost local solar manufacturing.
- The partnership aims to create jobs, expand access, and drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Nigeria’s renewable energy sector has entered a new phase as Sun King and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand local manufacturing and clean energy access. The signing, held during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) in Abuja, marks stronger public-private cooperation toward the nation’s clean energy goals.
The MoU was witnessed by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Sun King’s Co-Founder and CEO, Patrick Walsh. With government backing, Sun King plans to set up local manufacturing plants that could replace $150 million in solar imports within five years. This move is expected to boost domestic production and create more jobs.
Sun King, a global off-grid solar leader, sells over 330,000 solar kits monthly across Africa. In Nigeria, sales have risen sharply—from 3,000 kits in 2020 to 75,000 per month today. The company plans to triple that number soon, showing growing demand for affordable solar power.
Sun King also designs smartphones and energy-efficient appliances like televisions and freezers that work seamlessly with its solar systems. These products improve living standards and support small businesses.
The MoU outlines three main priorities. First, it promotes local manufacturing under the government’s Nigeria First policy. Both organisations will assemble solar components locally, creating jobs and strengthening the renewable energy value chain.
Second, the partnership aims to deepen technical cooperation and knowledge sharing. By improving data analysis and market intelligence, both parties will enhance key programmes such as the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES). This step will help Nigeria meet its growing energy needs efficiently.
Finally, the MoU supports joint advocacy to raise awareness of standalone solar systems as tools for national progress. Sun King and REA will push for policies and financing that make solar energy more accessible and affordable.
REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said the partnership builds on past successes under the Nigeria Electrification Programme. He noted that it links energy access with industrial development. Meanwhile, Walsh stated that the agreement aligns with Mission 300, a global initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
In summary, this partnership combines innovation, data-driven insight, and industrial ambition. It can boost job creation, strengthen local industries, and move Nigeria closer to a sustainable energy future.