The crisis began when Nigeria, Niger’s main electricity supplier, cut power exports in response to sanctions following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The result was a sharp drop in electricity supply—by as much as 50%—and rolling blackouts that often lasted for days, especially in the capital, Niamey.
Though limited power supply from Nigeria has resumed, the country still faces regular outages. In response, solar energy has become a practical alternative, driving strong growth in the market.
“The solar market has been booming,” said Djibril Tata, a local supplier, noting that demand has remained consistently high. Prices have dropped, and new lithium batteries are making systems more efficient and long-lasting.

Even small panels are now within reach of low-income earners, enabling households to power essential appliances and lighting. Solar setups are also being used by vendors and small businesses, with some turning the technology into side income by charging phones or running lights at night.
Internationally funded projects are helping expand access in rural areas, equipping schools and health centers with solar-powered systems to store vaccines and run essential services.
Although less than 20% of the population currently has access to electricity, the government is pushing forward with solar infrastructure. A 19-megawatt project near Agadez is underway, and plans for a 200-megawatt facility are in development.
As Niger seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign energy and strengthen its own capacity, solar power is fast becoming a central part of the country’s long-term energy solution.

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Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development by training and graduating 46 solar energy installers and entrepreneurs through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Dangote Academy in Obajana, Kogi State, where the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, emphasized the company’s dedication to youth empowerment and renewable energy development.

Represented by the Head of Production Department, John Gwong, Mr. Nawabuddin stated that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Group President, Aliko Dangote, to create jobs and enhance electricity supply across communities and Nigeria at large.

“This training represents a rare opportunity and a futuristic meal ticket for the graduates, positioning them to drive the growth of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector,” Gwong said.

The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), which provided training and certification for the participants. The beneficiaries, drawn from Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa, and Apata communities in Kogi State, comprised 27 men and 19 women.

The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, represented by Mr. Olusegun Olojede, highlighted the potential impact of the programme.

“These trained solar energy experts and entrepreneurs will play a crucial role in supporting the government’s efforts to improve power supply for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

General Manager of Community Affairs and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, described the empowerment scheme as part of Dangote Cement’s strategy to give back to society. According to him, solar energy presents an environmentally friendly solution to Nigeria’s energy challenges.

“Solar energy generates no greenhouse gases or air pollutants, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional power sources and a vital tool in combating climate change,” said ITF Training Manager Abdulrahman Wudilawa.

The training marks another milestone in Dangote Cement’s drive to enhance skill acquisition, reduce unemployment, and contribute to the development of clean energy solutions in Nigeria.

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