By Oke Peter
All On Partnerships for Energy Access (All On) and the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) have announced the renewal of their partnership to expand off-grid energy access in Nigeria, with a focus on underserved communities. Building on the success of their collaboration from 2017 to 2022, this new initiative will see both organizations commit a combined $10 million over the next three years to support innovative, African-owned businesses providing sustainable energy solutions.
To commemorate the renewal, a signing ceremony was held in New York, attended by All On CEO, Caroline Eboumbou and USADF President and CEO, Travis Adkins, alongside representatives from both organizations. The ceremony marked a significant step forward in their joint mission to drive increased energy access and socio-economic development in Nigeria.
Through the All On-USADF Nigeria Energy Challenge, the partnership will continue investing in off-grid energy companies to increase access to clean energy for low-income communities, while contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. The program will drive the localization of the energy value chain.
The initial cycle of the Challenge delivered US$3.6 million in blended finance to 36 companies. Since then, the companies have gone on to establish over 100,000 connections, improving more than 500,000 lives through access to clean energy.
USADF President and CEO, Travis Adkins, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating: “Our collaboration with All On has shown the transformative impact of off-grid energy solutions in improving lives and livelihoods in rural and underserved regions of Nigeria. We are excited to continue this partnership’s important work, advancing clean energy technologies while addressing essential needs like health, education, gender inclusion, and economic empowerment.”
The new funding will target both existing grantees and new businesses, focusing on addressing key challenges identified from previous cohorts. USADF will provide up to $250,000 in grant funding per selected project, while All On will contribute up to $750,000 per recipient through a range of investment mechanisms to support businesses in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, highlighted the program’s impact, saying “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with USADF, which has already made a significant impact on energy access in Nigeria. By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to empower more local businesses and communities with sustainable energy solutions. This collaboration is not just about providing power; it’s about creating opportunities for economic growth and lasting development across sectors throughout Nigeria.”
The partnership will focus on empowering women in energy, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting digital innovation, while also addressing energy needs in healthcare and education. By supporting the development of inverters, battery systems, and other local manufacturing components, the collaboration aims to create a more sustainable and locally driven energy ecosystem in Nigeria.
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