Despite recording the largest number of people without electricity access, nearly six million Nigerians have been connected through more than 170 mini-grids and 1.2 million stand-alone solar systems.
The World Bank revealed this in its latest report titled, “Tracking Sustainable Development Goal, SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2025,” stating that Nigeria is recognized as a rising star in the adoption of clean energy solutions, despite staggering challenges in grid-based electricity supply.
It disclosed that the mini-grid and solar deployments were part of efforts by Mission 300, a global initiative aimed at accelerating energy access through decentralized solutions.
“These technologies provide reliable, clean, and affordable power, offering faster deployment and supporting local economic development in Africa’s poorest and most isolated regions. For instance, Nigeria’s mini-grid projects have connected nearly 6 million people through more than 170 mini-grids and almost 1.2 million stand-alone solar systems,” it stated.
The report under review quoted the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) as saying in its 2025 market trends report that Nigeria now hosts one of the most vibrant mini-grid markets on the continent. “Mini-grids are growing in size and gravitating toward markets with enabling financial and regulatory frameworks. Nigeria is leading that shift.”
Between 2022 and 2024, the average number of connections per mini-grid in Nigeria nearly doubled, from 244 to 458. This growth, the report said, was largely driven by improving investor confidence, maturing regulation, and increased concessional financing.
In a further boost to the local economy, the mini-grid sector has also become a significant source of employment. AMDA disclosed that 27 mini-grid developers created over 6,000 jobs in the last four years, most of them within the rural communities where the systems were deployed.
“While mini-grid costs have decreased globally, capital expenditure for deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa remains stubbornly high compared to other regions. This regional discrepancy reflects factors like high logistics costs and low population density, but improved supply chain efficiency, economies of scale, and more favorable tax treatment can help reduce costs,” the report said.
However, the report also showed that despite the progress, the number of people without access to electricity in Nigeria is put at 86.8 million—the highest worldwide. For the third consecutive year, Nigeria retained its position as the country with the largest electricity access deficit in the world.