In a strategic effort to accelerate off-grid energy access in Nigeria, All On, in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), convened the Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) Developer Forum in Abuja. The event brought together over 30 renewable energy developers in person, with more than 300 additional stakeholders joining virtually from across Nigeria and beyond.
The hybrid forum served as a key platform to introduce stakeholders to the World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) project, implemented by REA. Participants received comprehensive guidance on the application process, funding eligibility, and technical requirements necessary to participate in the DARES initiative, which aims to expand decentralized energy access in underserved communities.
In her opening remarks, Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, highlighted the importance of collaboration in scaling impact. “We’re proud to have convened such a dynamic group of developers and stakeholders who are committed to expanding clean energy access,” she said. “The DARES program is a critical step towards bridging the energy access gap, and we are thankful for the REA’s active role in today’s important workshop.”
REA Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu emphasized that the pathway to universal energy access lies in long-term collaboration. “Delivering universal energy access requires more than just funding—it demands deep, sustained collaboration across public and private sectors. This forum demonstrates what’s possible when we work together to equip developers with the knowledge and partnerships they need,” Aliyu noted.
Adding further context, Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme, described DARES as a transformative step for Nigeria’s energy access goals. “DARES represents the next phase in Nigeria’s energy story—one that empowers states, opens doors for developers, and prioritizes underserved communities. Forums like this are critical to building a trusted, impact-driven ecosystem,” he said.
The forum included interactive breakout sessions and direct Q&A opportunities with REA’s technical team, offering developers clarity and practical insights as they prepare for the upcoming call for proposals under DARES.
The event reinforced the shared commitment between the public and private sectors to scale decentralized renewable energy solutions and build a resilient, inclusive energy future for Nigeria.
