DARES forum connects over 300 energy experts

By Agency Report

Mrs Caroline Eboumbou, Chief Executive Officer of All On, says over 300 renewable energy professionals participated in the Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) Developer Forum in Abuja.

Eboumbou, in a statement on Thursday, said the forum was co-hosted by All On and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

She stated the hybrid event brought together off-grid energy developers and investors from across Nigeria and internationally.

The forum explored the World Bank’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, implemented under the REA.

She said the event included discussions on DARES application processes, funding needs, and technical readiness—crucial details for developers eyeing the next proposal call.

Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) Developer Forum in Abuja.

“We were pleased to host over 30 developers in person, with 300 more joining virtually from within Nigeria and globally,” Eboumbou said.

She added that the strong attendance reflected rising interest in DARES and its potential to expand off-grid energy access in underserved areas.

“We’re proud to gather such a committed and dynamic group of stakeholders.

“DARES is a key step towards bridging Nigeria’s energy gap, and we value REA’s ongoing partnership in this initiative.

“We look forward to further supporting the ecosystem as it expands its impact,” she said.

REA Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu, emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders at the forum.

“Universal energy access demands more than funding — it needs sustained, strategic cooperation.

“This forum demonstrates how joint effort can equip developers with tools, insight, and partnerships for success.

“REA remains committed to engagements like this that advance the energy sector,” Aliyu said.

Mr Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme, spoke on DARES’ broader role in achieving national electrification goals.

“DARES signals a new chapter—empowering states, enabling developers, and focusing on underserved communities.

“Through such forums, we’re not just building infrastructure—we’re creating a trusted, impactful ecosystem,” Akinyelure said.

He noted the forum included interactive sessions and Q&As, allowing developers to consult directly with REA’s technical team.

Participants praised the event as a crucial platform for learning, networking, and aligning public-private efforts toward innovative energy solutions.

Source: NAN