- Nigeria and Germany signed a €20m grant agreement to support adopting renewable energy, vocational training, and reduced fossil fuel reliance.
- The project aims to expand energy access, empower youth and women, and strengthen Germany–Nigeria energy transition cooperation.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a €20 million agreement with the German government to accelerate the country’s energy transition and boost renewable energy development.
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning announced the deal on Thursday, confirming that both parties had agreed the previous day. The support will be channelled through the KfW Development Bank and the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund.
During the signing ceremony, held at the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning’s office, Senator Abubakar Bagudu signed on behalf of Nigeria. Dr. Karin Jansen, first secretary and head of development cooperation at the German Embassy, and Gerald Keuhnemund, a representative of the KfW Development Bank, were also present.
Bagudu highlighted three key objectives of the project. First, it aims to promote the use of renewable energy to improve energy efficiency. Second, it seeks to expand vocational training in renewable technologies and energy asset management. Lastly, it targets reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels.
According to the minister, the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader development goals by increasing energy access for underserved communities and creating economic opportunities, particularly for youths and women. He added that building a skilled energy workforce would ensure the initiative’s long-term sustainability.
Moreover, Bagudu called for stronger coordination among development programmes, including those under the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. He stressed that such collaboration would prevent duplication and improve support for renewable energy initiatives in critical sectors like health and education.
Speaking on Germany’s behalf, Jansen described the agreement as a significant milestone, especially as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Germany’s Energy Transition Challenge Fund. She noted that the fund would support only high-impact renewable energy projects, deepening Germany’s financial cooperation with Nigeria.
Overall, the partnership marks a strategic step forward in Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions while reinforcing international collaboration in the fight against climate change.