Nigeria, others get UKs solar energy support
News & Trends •
the countries are nigeria ghana somalia senegal and ethiopia1 nigeria ghana somalia senegal and ethiopia has been listed to benefit from uk governments support in growing solar technology companies1 a statement from the british high commission in abuja noted that the uk minister of state for africa harriett baldwin made the announcement on wednesday1 baldwin who accompanied prime minister theresa may to nigeria said that supporting such companies to provide clean energy to off-grid households in africa would improve the livelihoods of people1 africas solar industry is vibrant and exciting full of potential to transform the lives of millions of people who are still living off the grid1 by sharing british expertise were allowing this industry to flourish helping the poorest to access clean sustainable energy while also opening up opportunities for uk business and investment1 this is a win for african countries and a win for the uk she said1 the high commission in the statement mentioned that the uk aid through the department for international development dfid was helping to boost opportunities for early stage businesses in africa1 it stated that the opportunities were made available through the africa enterprise challenge fund aecf and a new round of the fund was being launched in five sub-saharan african countries1 the project is designed to help more than 11 million people across the sub-saharan africa countries have access to solar electricity1 a new round of the aecf 16 million is being launched providing grants loans and business development support to small businesses creating innovative household solar products and appliances1 this programme will help up to 1.5 million poor people in sub-saharan africa by 2022 access clean affordable modern energy with a focus on women and children1 it added that the uk aid would also help governments reduce the barriers in the growth of solar companies in africa and lay the groundwork for 14 partner sub-saharan african countries in clean energy1 support to dfids clean energy technical assistance facility 15.5 million will work across 14 countries in sub-saharan africa including nigeria and kenya1 it pointed out that the uk aid would increase its support to the energise africa impact investment platform to help 1500 new uk small investors provide the necessary finance needed1 it added that the platform would connect 125000 more people to affordable solar energy allowing the programme to reach a total of 325000 people1 energise africa to date has raised 4.8 million from 1000 investors to help more than 195000 access affordable solar energy1 strengthening the solar market in africa is opening up opportunities for the uks own pioneering solar industry to access the untapped potential offered by african markets. nan1