Course description

INTRODUCTION

Electricity is fundamental to economic growth, education, healthcare delivery, security, and overall quality of life. Yet, a significant portion of Nigeria’s rural population remains without access to reliable and affordable electricity. Rural electrification is a cornerstone of national development and a critical driver for reducing poverty, creating jobs, and achieving equitable access to opportunities.

This conference seeks to address the persistent challenges and explore innovative solutions for extending sustainable energy access to rural communities. It will bring together policymakers, energy experts, community leaders, investors, development partners, and technology providers to explore practical strategies, partnerships, and financing mechanisms that can accelerate rural electrification in Nigeria. The event will showcase off-grid and mini-grid solutions, explore renewable energy technologies, and emphasize inclusive energy policies that leave no one behind.

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• understand the critical role of rural electrification in socio-economic development;
• identify barriers to energy access in rural and underserved areas;
• explore renewable and hybrid energy technologies suitable for rural electrification;
• develop strategies for scaling off-grid and mini-grid energy solutions;
• evaluate public-private partnership models and financing mechanisms for rural energy projects;
• assess policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentives that support rural energy access;
• engage communities and build local capacity for sustainable energy systems;
• leverage data and digital tools for planning and monitoring electrification programs; and
• promote gender-inclusive and socially equitable energy access strategies.

CONFERENCE MODULES

Module 1: The State of Rural Electrification in Nigeria

• Current access levels and regional disparities
• Socio-economic impacts of energy poverty in rural areas
• Mapping energy needs and infrastructure gaps

Module 2: Renewable Energy Solutions for Rural Nigeria

• Solar home systems, solar mini-grids, and wind power
• Biomass, small hydropower, and hybrid systems
• Matching technology to rural energy needs

Module 3: Policy, Regulation, and Institutional Frameworks

• National electrification plans and off-grid energy strategies
• Licensing, tariffs, and enabling policies for private investment
• Role of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and state governments

Module 4: Financing Rural Energy Projects

• Innovative financing models (results-based financing, carbon credits, subsidies)
• Donor-funded programs and impact investing in energy access
• De-risking and guarantees for rural energy investments

Module 5: Community Engagement and Local Ownership

• Participatory planning and energy needs assessments
• Building trust, awareness, and demand in rural communities
• Developing local technical capacity for operation and maintenance

Module 6: Productive Use of Energy in Rural Development

• Empowering agriculture, small businesses, and education through electrification
• Energy for irrigation, agro-processing, cold storage, and digital inclusion
• Boosting rural entrepreneurship and reducing urban migration

Module 7: Gender and Social Inclusion in Energy Access

• Addressing gender-specific energy needs
• Engaging women in energy value chains
• Ensuring energy equity for marginalized groups

Module 8: Innovation, Monitoring, and Scaling Up

• Smart metering, remote monitoring, and mobile-based payment systems
• Leveraging geospatial and digital tools for planning and tracking
• Replicating and scaling successful pilot projects

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Officials from Ministries of Power, Environment, Agriculture, and Rural Development
• Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and state energy departments
• Renewable energy companies and mini-grid developers
• Public utilities and electricity distribution companies
• Investors, development finance institutions, and donor agencies
• Community-based organizations and rural development NGOs
• Researchers and academic institutions working on energy access
• Local government authorities and rural community leaders
• Technical and vocational training institutions
• ICT and digital solutions providers for energy monitoring
• Gender and social inclusion advocates in energy access

What will i learn?

• • understand the critical role of rural electrification in socio-economic development
• • identify barriers to energy access in rural and underserved areas
• • explore renewable and hybrid energy technologies suitable for rural electrification
• • evaluate public-private partnership models and financing mechanisms for rural energy projects
• • leverage data and digital tools for planning and monitoring electrification programs

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