UNDP and REA partner to support Nigeria’s clean energy transition

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expedite the clean energy transition in Nigeria.

This collaboration aims to promote sustainable development through education, skills training, policy reform, and “innovative” financing.

The alliance is said to open “synergies” between UNDP’s global development knowledge and REA’s goal of electrifying rural communities.

The agreement between UNDP and REA is structured around five pillars, each designed to make a “transformative impact”.

The first pillar focuses on energising education and innovation by integrating UNDP’s University Innovation Pods and Maker Spaces into REA’s Energizing Education Programme.

The second pillar aims to scale the NEXTGEN Initiative, with UNDP’s support, to train a new generation of clean energy professionals.

The third pillar provides state-level policy and technical support to ensure the effective implementation of the new Electricity Act. UNDP and REA will offer technical assistance and policy guidance to subnational governments, helping them to navigate the new regulations and develop unified energy policies.

The fourth pillar involves mobilising innovative financing. The partners will seek novel ways to secure sustainable funding, attract private capital, and foster business partnerships.

UNDP’s blended finance expertise will be used to de-risk projects, draw investment, and guarantee the longevity of clean energy projects, including strengthening institutions and capitalising the Rural Electrification Fund.

Lastly, the fifth pillar focuses on strategic research and communication. The partnership will conduct joint research and disseminate knowledge to guide policy decisions and raise public awareness.

Nigeria’s UNDP resident representative Elsie G Attafuah said: “This collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency is a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria. Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential.”

By combining resources and expertise, UNDP and REA look to speed up Nigeria’s progress towards its energy and development goals, leading to a more sustainable future for its citizens.

REA MD/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu said: “As long-term partners, the strategic collaboration between the REA and the UNDP is a game-changer, deliberately designed for Nigeria’s clean energy future, especially with the ongoing renewable energy scale-up efforts being driven by the federal government.

“The REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalysing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potential in innovation, R&D, local expertise and sustainable investment.”