The European Union (EU) and Germany have established a significant partnership to finance renewable energy solutions in Nigeria, aiming to address the country’s chronic energy access challenges, particularly in rural areas, and to support its transition to a sustainable energy future.
This collaboration is part of broader efforts to drive Nigeria’s energy transition through sustainable financing mechanisms, enhance energy security, and promote economic growth.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces significant energy challenges, with millions of people lacking access to reliable electricity, especially in rural communities.
Nigeria’s energy sector has historically relied on fossil fuels, but the global push for decarbonization and the country’s own energy transition goals have necessitated a shift toward renewable energy.
Recognizing this, the EU and Germany have launched several initiatives to accelerate investments in renewable energy, focusing on solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies.
The partnership aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainable development worldwide, and Germany’s commitment to addressing climate change through international cooperation.
For Nigeria, this collaboration is crucial for achieving its ambitious energy and climate commitments, including those outlined in its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and its goal of achieving universal energy access by 2030.
On February 11, 2025, the EU and Germany unveiled GET.invest Nigeria, a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating investments in renewable energy and improving electricity access, particularly in rural communities.
The launch took place in Lagos, signalling a strong commitment to tackling Nigeria’s power challenges.
GET.invest Nigeria is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and is part of the broader GET.invest program, a European initiative that supports investments in decentralized renewable energy.
The program targets private sector businesses, project developers, financiers, and regulators to build sustainable energy markets.
One of the objectives of the program is to unlock finance for sustainable energy projects and businesses tailored to Nigeria’s unique energy challenges.
Also, the program aims at providing market intelligence, industry mobilization, and capacity development support to local stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, organised by GET.invest Nigeria, Inga Stefanowicz, Team Leader for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized: “Reliable electricity is crucial for economic development, and unlocking finance for renewable energy solutions is vital to closing Nigeria’s energy access gap. Through GET.invest Nigeria, we aim to facilitate access to finance for renewable energy projects that will benefit businesses and communities across the country.”
Also, Weert Börner, Consul General at the German Consulate General in Lagos, stated, “Germany is proud to co-fund GET.invest Nigeria as part of our broader partnership with Nigeria in fostering sustainable economic development. By supporting private sector investment in renewable energy, we aim to strengthen Nigeria’s clean energy ecosystem and contribute to long-term economic growth.”
GET.invest Nigeria Coordinator Lawrence Efanga Edeke noted, “GET.invest Nigeria is not a silver bullet, but it is an essential part of the solution to scaling up investments in the renewable energy sector. By working closely with project developers, financiers, and policymakers, we aim to mobilize the level of investment required to meet Nigeria’s ambitious energy and climate commitments.”
Representing the ministry of power, Temitope Dina, the permanent secretary, emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future, saying that GET.invest Nigeria comes at a pivotal time in the nation’s journey for sustainable development.
“With the right investments, policies and technologies, we can create a cleaner, greener and more resilient energy system. This transformation is not just a goal; it is a necessity for ensuring energy access for all Nigerians, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and enhancing our environmental stewardship,” she said.
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, urged investors to see the launch as an opportunity to invest wisely and strategically because the return on investment promises to be very high.
Abbas added that GET.invest Nigeria is the answer to some of the country’s challenges, noting that it is also part of the administration’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resilience.
