Renewable energy stakeholders have called for a coordinated approach to electricity development across Africa, warning that expanding access without linking it to economic productivity, industrialisation and job creation could limit the benefits of the continent’s energy transition.
The stakeholders made the call at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday ahead of the Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) 2026, scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26 in Lagos.
The forum, organised by the African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), is expected to bring together industry players to explore strategies for accelerating renewable energy development across the continent.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Mini-grid Developers Association (AMDA), Mr Lamide Niyi-Afuye, said collaboration among renewable energy associations was critical to addressing common industry challenges and expanding electricity access.
He stressed that Africa’s renewable energy ambitions should extend beyond connecting households to electricity to creating opportunities for businesses, supporting industrialisation and generating employment.
Niyi-Afuye explained that reliable electricity would enable farmers to process and preserve agricultural produce, help businesses expand production and improve the delivery of healthcare, education and digital services.
He said the success of the continent’s energy transition should be assessed not only by the number of electricity connections achieved but also by the jobs created, businesses supported, incomes improved and economic value generated.
According to him, national grids, mini-grids, standalone solar systems and other distributed renewable energy solutions all have important roles to play, depending on local needs, affordability and available economic opportunities.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations at AFSIA, Mr Benjamin Clarke, said stronger partnerships among developers, equipment manufacturers, governments, regulators, financial institutions and industry associations were necessary to attract investment into renewable energy projects.
Clarke said the stakeholders had complementary responsibilities in developing investment-friendly policies, providing funding and ensuring that decisions reflected realities in the renewable energy market.
He noted that collaboration among industry associations had contributed to the development of Nigeria’s mini-grid regulations, adding that mini-grids were increasingly being recognised as essential infrastructure rather than temporary electricity solutions.
Clarke said Nigeria’s longstanding electricity deficit required stakeholders to explore different approaches to expanding power supply.
Similarly, the Senior Sales Manager, West Africa, at Jinko Solar, Miss Esther Eyenobong, said about 86 million Nigerians still lacked access to electricity.
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She said the company was introducing modern solar technologies designed to address Nigeria’s energy needs.
The stakeholders expressed the need for stronger industry partnerships to accelerate renewable energy deployment and create a more attractive investment environment across Africa.
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