NGYouthSDGs launches national solar energy competition for young Nigerians

Résumé détaillé

Unreliable electricity supply is forcing young Nigerians to find alternative ways to keep their businesses and livelihoods ...

Unreliable electricity supply is forcing young Nigerians to find alternative ways to keep their businesses and livelihoods running, as the country’s persistent power deficit continues to raise operating costs and restrict economic opportunities.

From digital creators and freelancers to tailors and small business owners, many are turning to solar energy to reduce their dependence on the national grid and expensive petrol and diesel generators.

However, the cost of acquiring clean energy systems remains a barrier for many, particularly those operating small businesses with limited capital.

The scale of the challenge remains significant. More than 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid electricity, making the country the largest contributor to the global electricity access deficit, according to the World Bank. Millions of others connected to the grid contend with irregular supply, with rural communities often facing longer periods without electricity.

The consequences extend beyond household inconvenience. Poor electricity access limits the ability of small businesses to operate consistently, affects productivity in schools and healthcare facilities, and makes it harder for farmers to preserve and process agricultural produce. For young people seeking to build businesses and secure employment, unreliable power adds another layer of financial pressure.

Against this backdrop, efforts to expand access to renewable energy are increasingly looking towards young people as contributors to solutions, rather than simply beneficiaries of energy interventions. The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), in partnership with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), has introduced a national youth competition to support community-led initiatives that promote solar energy access.

The competition forms part of the second phase of the Solar Power Nigeria project, launched by GIFSEP in February 2026 to advocate for affordable and…

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