REA, INFRACORP, SOLARGE BV in partnership to build 1 GW solar panel facility in Nigeria

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA: The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria, InfraCorp, and Solarge BV of the Netherlands have formally announced the creation of Solarge Nigeria Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that will establish and operate a one gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Nigeria.

The agreement was signed at infraCorp office located at Central Area, Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital.

This co-ownership and strategic offtake agreement/collaboration, aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI) and the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), which aim to scale clean energy access across public institutions while building robust local content in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

The special purpose vehicle (SPV), Solarge Nigeria Limited will be co-owned by: InfraCorp
REA Solarge BV (Netherlands)

This public-private partnership will leverage InfraCorp’s investment mobilization capacity, REA’s policy leadership in rural electrification and public sector solarization, and Solarge BV’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise to localize high-quality solar PV production in Nigeria.

Key Project Highlights
1GW Solar PV Factory: A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to be constructed in Nigeria, with a target of 50% local content within the first three years.

Technology Transfer & Jobs: The facility will support significant technology transfer, capacity building, and job creation, furthering Nigeria’s energy transition and industrial policy goals.
Strategic Offtake: Under the agreement, REA has committed to procure at least 200MW of solar modules per year over five years from Solarge Nigeria Ltd for NPSSI, RHIDF, and other public electrification programs.

In his address during the signing of the offtake agreement, Director General Budget office, Tanimu Yakubu kurfi mentioned that:
“This partnership exemplifies the type of innovation and collaboration that the Federal Government seeks to promote under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

It not only supports our fiscal sustainability goals but also deepens Nigeria’s industrial base and energy self-reliance.”

Speaking on the partnership, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO of REA stated that: “Through this joint venture, we are not only creating access to clean energy but building the local capacity to manufacture it. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our mandate to electrify communities and institutions.”

Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, Managing Director/CEO of InfraCorp, added:
“Solarge Nigeria Limited represents a bold step toward local manufacturing and energy sovereignty. We’re proud to partner with REA and Solarge BV to build a resilient and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.”

Joost Brinkman, CEO of Solarge BV, also expressed enthusiasm:
“We are excited to bring our technology and experience to this landmark initiative. Solarge Nigeria Ltd will set a new benchmark for solar manufacturing in Africa — built by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”

Solarge Nigeria Ltd will be governed by a Board of Directors representing all shareholders, including an independent non-executive director. A dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) and Offtake Coordination Desk will ensure seamless execution, regulatory compliance, and alignment with public procurement frameworks.

The journey toward energy transition began with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Budget Office of the Federation, InfraCorp, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

This event marked the formal launch of the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI) — a flagship government-led program to deploy distributed solar energy solutions across public institutions such as schools, hospitals, security posts, and government offices.

The initiative addresses a key national priority: providing clean, reliable energy to critical infrastructure, reducing diesel dependency, and cutting the public sector’s carbon footprint.

The MoU also underscores stronger public-private collaboration to drive localized renewable energy manufacturing and transition Nigeria toward more sustainable energy financing models.