Nigeria has partnered with a Dutch firm, Solarge BV, to establish a one-gigawatt solar panel manufacturing factory, marking a significant boost for the country’s clean energy and industrial sectors.
The collaboration involves the Rural Electrification Agency and the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria, which have formally launched Solarge Nigeria Limited, a special purpose vehicle that will develop and operate the state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic factory in Nigeria.
According to Abba Abubakar Aliyu, managing director/CEO of REA, the planned 1GW solar factory aims to achieve 50 per cent local content within the first three years, creating numerous jobs and facilitating technology transfer.
The REA has committed to purchasing at least 200MW of solar modules annually for five years to supply its public sector solarisation programmes, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on diesel-generated power and trimming the carbon footprint.
The public-private partnership will leverage InfraCorp’s investment mobilisation capacity, REA’s policy leadership in rural electrification and public sector solarisation, and Solarge BV’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise to localise high-quality solar PV production in Nigeria.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the mandate to electrify communities and institutions, as stated by Aliyu: “Through this joint venture, we are not only creating access to clean energy but building the local capacity to manufacture it.”
Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, managing director/CEO of InfraCorp, added that “Solarge Nigeria Limited represents a bold step toward local manufacturing and energy sovereignty. We’re proud to partner with REA and Solarge BV to build a resilient and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.”
Joost Brinkman, CEO of Solarge BV, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to bring our technology and experience to this landmark initiative. Solarge Nigeria Ltd will set a new benchmark for African solar manufacturing — built by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, director general of the Budget Office, stated that “This partnership exemplifies the type of innovation and collaboration that the Federal Government seeks to promote under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. It not only supports our fiscal sustainability goals but also deepens Nigeria’s industrial base and energy self-reliance.”
Solarge Nigeria Limited will be governed by a board representing all shareholders and will maintain dedicated offices to ensure smooth project execution and regulatory compliance.
A dedicated Project Management Office and Offtake Coordination Desk will ensure seamless execution, regulatory compliance, and alignment with public procurement frameworks.
