REA Launches Africa Mini-grids Programme To Boost Energy Access

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has officially launched what is known as Africa Mini-grids Programme(AMP) as part of efforts to expand energy access across Nigeria.

AMP, a four-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria launched last Thursday, aims to support access to clean energy by increasing the financial viability, and promoting scaled-up commercial investment in renewable energy mini-grids, with a focus on cost-reduction levers and innovative business models.

The programme is active in 21 African Countries and the project implemented by the REA is the first to commence implementation following the official launch at an inception workshop hosted in collaboration with representatives from the UNDP, GEF, Federal Ministries of Power, Environment and Agriculture as well as other key stakeholders in the rural development space.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mohammed Yahya, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria who expressed delight over the launch of the project in Nigeria, said, “Access to reliable, sustainable, affordable energy is a catalyst to socio-economic development and thus to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a statement over the weekend.