- Off-grid solutions deliver faster and cleaner electricity to underserved Nigerian communities
- Catalytic finance and ecosystem support unlock private investment in clean energy
Off-grid energy in Nigeria is increasingly shaping the future of electricity access across the country. For decades, Africa’s fourth-largest economy has struggled to translate scale into a reliable power supply. As a result, households and businesses have adapted to frequent outages. Consequently, diesel and petrol generators now dominate daily energy use nationwide.
However, recent findings from All On indicate a clear shift. All On operates as an impact investment company focused on clean energy access. According to its Impact Evaluation Report 2025, financial structure influences access as much as technology. Therefore, connection speed, affordability, and scale depend heavily on innovative funding models.
Rather than pursue large centralised grid projects, All On adopted decentralised solutions. These solutions include solar home systems, mini-grids, and productive-use technologies. Importantly, these systems serve communities and small businesses that are often excluded from the grid supply. Thus, off-grid energy in Nigeria continues to close long-standing access gaps.
Between 2018 and 2024, All On supported more than 50 clean energy companies. In addition, it provided grants and technical assistance to over 80 enterprises. Collectively, these firms connected more than 230,000 homes, businesses, and institutions. As a result, over one million people experienced improved living standards.
Beyond electricity connections, the evaluation highlighted wider social benefits. For example, many households reported cleaner indoor air and reduced noise levels. Similarly, communities experienced improved safety and lower fuel expenses. Therefore, families redirected savings towards education, healthcare, and business growth.
This decentralised strategy contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s historic reform approach. Centralised power reforms have struggled amid regulatory uncertainty and currency volatility. When All On began operations in 2016, nearly half of Nigerians lacked access to electricity. Meanwhile, commercial lenders avoided the sector due to perceived execution risks.
In response, All On deployed catalytic capital designed to absorb early losses. It also combined financing with hands-on operational and ecosystem support. One flagship initiative, the DART programme, pooled equipment procurement for developers. As a result, participating companies reduced technology costs by up to 50 per cent.
Since 2018, Nigeria’s clean energy market has experienced significant expansion. The number of active sector players has doubled nationwide. Total investment has also nearly tripled, exceeding $ 250 million. Accordingly, off-grid energy in Nigeria now attracts more substantial investor confidence.
Looking ahead, All On plans to deepen its expansion into underserved regions. The Niger Delta remains a priority despite its long-standing wealth from oil. Ultimately, decentralised power solutions continue to offer practical answers to Nigeria’s energy access challenges.