The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and All On came together to co-create a new public-private partnership to increase access to power in Nigeria. Green Village Energy (GVE), a Nigerian mini-grid development company is roped in to catalyze growth and develop a solar mini-grid in the Delta. Since this beginning, GVE achieved new heights, powering more than 2,000 households in Nigeria. GVE secured financing of $1.2 million from Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) to replicate their mini-grid network in six new communities.
The USADF-All On partnership will jointly provide up to $1 million in funding for up to ten African-owned enterprises working in Nigeria. Each of USADF’s grant dollars will leverage a 1:1 contribution from All On in the form of convertible loans and/or an equity stake in the recipients’ organizations. USADF will contribute $100,000 in seed capital and local technical assistance to each recipient, giving each business a lower-risk period during a time when many young companies face their greatest challenges, whether importing their first container of solar home systems or connecting their first 100 customers to a mini-grid.
A local business owner Gaffar Yau said, “With this light, I have decided to expand my kiosk to include a solar charging business, as well as to buy a refrigerator to sell cold drinks. Now I can lso diversify and augment my income”.
USADF invested in Sosai Renewable Energies Limited to install two solar-powered mini-grids which generate power for lighting and solar tunnel drying. USADF proudly works with All On to create the new access to electric power to create new opportunities in communities in Nigeria and across Africa.