Nigeria off-grid solar recovery drives regional market growth
Nigeria is emerging as the linchpin in West Africa’s off-grid solar recovery, according to the latest Semi-Annual Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report released in November by GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry.
The report highlights a notable uptick in the sales of solar energy kits (SEKs) and related appliances across the region, with Nigeria accounting for the largest share of the resurgence.
Sales of SEKs in West Africa increased by 22 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a return to growth after a slowdown in 2024.
Nigeria’s market, where SEK sales surged by 33 per cent, is playing a leading role in reviving the regional off-grid solar ecosystem.
Oliver Reynolds, Senior Manager for Market Insights at GOGLA, noted that the boost in Nigeria is partly due to the early impact of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Nigeria programme.
The initiative provides subsidies to enhance market access, particularly for lower-income households that previously struggled to afford solar kits.
“The effects of the new subsidy programme under DARES Nigeria are starting to show,” the report stated, emphasizing how strategic public support can catalyze the adoption of clean energy solutions.
Market transformation and flexible payment models
One of the most significant developments highlighted in the report is the shift in sales channels, with Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo) models overtaking traditional cash purchases.
This transition is expanding off-grid solar access to households that may not have the upfront capital to purchase systems outright. GOGLA describes this shift as “early evidence of a major transformation in the market.”
Industry observers note that the PAYGo model has not only increased sales but also encouraged consumer confidence, as buyers can now pay for solar systems in manageable instalments while experiencing the benefits immediately.
This development positions Nigeria as a key driver of West Africa’s off-grid solar recovery and demonstrates the effectiveness of combining technology with financing solutions.
Appliance sales fuel broader off-grid energy adoption
Alongside SEK growth, appliance sales in West Africa rose by 27 per cent compared to the first half of 2024.
Nigeria accounted for a significant portion of this growth, particularly in the sale of solar-powered fans.
Television sales, however, remain flat, and other appliances such as irrigation and cooling systems are gradually gaining traction.
The report underscores that the DARES programme’s planned subsidies for productive-use appliances could further stimulate growth in agricultural and commercial applications, supporting livelihoods and economic development across rural communities.
Policy challenges in other West African markets
While Nigeria continues to lead the regional recovery, other West African markets are facing policy-induced obstacles.
Burkina Faso, for instance, recorded an 83 per cent decline in SEK sales due to new import regulations requiring local sourcing quotas for solar panels.
GOGLA warns that such policy shifts can disrupt supply chains and slow access to off-grid energy solutions.
Similarly, countries like Rwanda and Mozambique, despite experiencing initial gains, face challenges in sustaining growth without continuous public support and clear exit strategies for subsidy programmes.
Strategic public support and sustainable energy access
GOGLA’s findings highlight the critical role of public support in driving off-grid solar adoption. Subsidies, when well-targeted and transparent, can significantly accelerate market recovery.
In Nigeria, DARES has provided a practical model for how government-backed programmes can complement private sector initiatives to scale energy access efficiently.
The report concludes that 2025 may mark a turning point for West Africa’s off-grid solar sector, with Nigeria leading the charge through innovative financing models, strong policy backing, and a growing base of solar consumers.
Outlook for Nigeria off-grid solar recovery
Looking ahead, analysts expect continued momentum in Nigeria’s off-grid solar recovery.
The combination of PAYGo financing, targeted subsidies, and rising consumer demand positions Nigeria to remain the regional anchor for renewable energy adoption.
Continued monitoring of sales, market trends, and programme impacts will be essential to ensure sustainable growth and equitable energy access.
“The Nigerian off-grid solar market is not just recovering; it is shaping the trajectory of energy access across West Africa,” the report concluded.
As Nigeria strengthens its renewable energy ecosystem, the country is poised to provide a blueprint for neighbouring nations seeking to harness off-grid solar solutions to drive economic growth and improve energy security.
