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All On and Energise Africa channeled $4 million to construct standalone solar mini-grids across 19 rural sites.
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The infrastructure replaces costly diesel generation for homes, schools, health centers, and small businesses.
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Project operations directly connect roughly 100,000 people to reliable, localized electricity.
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Local contractor Maskh Nigeria Limited manages procurement, engineering, and construction across all northern project locations.
September 01, (THEWILL) — All On and Energise Africa are investing $4 million in solar mini-grids across 19 communities in Jigawa and Bauchi states, bringing electricity to areas without reliable access to the national grid.
The project is expected to reach nearly 100,000 people, including households, schools, health facilities and businesses. Nigerian engineering company Maskh Nigeria Limited is handling procurement, engineering and construction across the project sites under the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Energy Technology Programme.
Solar mini-grids can provide power without waiting for grid infrastructure to reach remote communities. For businesses and public institutions that depend on petrol or diesel generators, they also offer an alternative source of electricity.
Caroline Eboumbou, Chief Executive Officer of All On, said the project would help extend electricity access while supporting economic activity in the two states.
“Energy access is not simply about connecting communities to electricity; it is about creating the conditions for people and businesses to thrive.”
Power Beyond the National Grid
Grid expansion has struggled to keep pace with electricity needs in many rural parts of Nigeria. Where reliable grid supply is unavailable, businesses and public institutions often turn to generators, adding fuel and maintenance costs to their operations.
The mini-grids will generate and distribute electricity within the communities they serve. For small businesses, reliable power can support daily operations and reduce dependence on individual generators. Schools and health facilities can also use the electricity for basic services that require a steady supply.
Energise Africa, a UK crowdfunding platform, is providing international investor participation in the project. Its CEO, Ray Coyle, said UK investors were supporting the 19 communities through clean energy infrastructure.
“By helping to bring clean and reliable power to 19 communities across Jigawa and Bauchi states, UK investors were supporting lasting social, economic and environmental impact that would benefit thousands of people in Nigeria.”
For Maskh Nigeria Limited, the work also provides an opportunity to expand its capacity in the off-grid energy sector.
Qaim Mahmood, the company’s Director of Operations, said the projects would strengthen its capabilities, create jobs and support future growth.
“As an indigenous company, we are proud that these 19 mini-grids will impact almost 100,000 people, helping businesses thrive, improving essential services and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
The $4 million investment puts private and international capital behind rural electricity infrastructure while giving a Nigerian engineering company responsibility for delivering the projects.
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What the Mini-Grids Need to Deliver
Installing the infrastructure is only one part of the equation. Its value will ultimately depend on how reliably the systems operate and how effectively households, businesses and public institutions use the electricity.
For rural businesses, access to dependable power can make it easier to run equipment, preserve goods, extend operating hours and avoid some generator costs. The same supply can support essential services in schools and health facilities.
All On, Energise Africa and Maskh are now taking that model into 19 communities across Jigawa and Bauchi. If the systems operate as planned, the project will give nearly 100,000 people access to a local source of electricity without requiring them to wait for national grid expansion.
Joy Onuorah is a business journalist and brand communications specialist covering financial markets, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and the ideas reshaping business across Africa and the global market. Beyond her reporting for TheWill, Joy uses brand strategy, storytelling, copywriting, and high-value SEO to help brands build lasting market authority.
