In Short : The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested $5 million in Husk Power Systems Nigeria to install 108 solar-hybrid mini grids across northern Nigeria. Supported by Canada’s Renewable Energy Program for Africa, the project will provide clean energy to 115,000 people through 28,750 new connections, reducing electricity costs by 25% and significantly cutting carbon emissions.
In Detail : The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a $5 million equity investment in Husk Power Systems Nigeria, aimed at accelerating clean energy access in the country. The funds will be used to construct 108 solar-hybrid mini grids in underserved areas of northern Nigeria, a region that continues to face significant electricity shortages.
This investment is part of the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) platform, a joint initiative by IFC and the government of Canada under its Renewable Energy Program for Africa. The platform is designed to support early-stage energy developers and scale up off-grid renewable energy solutions.
Husk’s mini grids are expected to connect approximately 28,750 households and businesses, reaching a total of around 115,000 people. These grids will provide reliable, affordable, and clean power to rural communities that are currently dependent on expensive and polluting alternatives like diesel generators.
In addition to expanding energy access, the initiative aims to reduce electricity costs by up to 25 percent for end-users. This is expected to drive local economic growth by enabling longer business operating hours, supporting small enterprises, and improving education and healthcare delivery.
The project is also expected to contribute to environmental sustainability by displacing fossil fuel-based energy sources. Husk estimates that the new mini grids could help avoid thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, aligning with Nigeria’s broader climate and energy transition goals.
This investment marks IFC’s first under the DARES platform and reflects a growing commitment to scaling private sector participation in Africa’s energy access agenda. Husk, which operates in both Africa and Asia, continues to lead the deployment of decentralized solar solutions for rural electrification.
