As Nigeria scales down electricity exports, households and businesses in Niger Republic are increasingly turning to solar solutions to meet their energy needs.
A growing number of residents in Niger Republic are embracing solar energy following a significant decline in electricity supply from Nigeria, their major power source. The shift marks a quiet energy revolution in the West African nation, triggered by political fallout and evolving regional dynamics.
In July 2023, the military takeover in Niger led to sweeping sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including restrictions on cross-border energy transactions. Although those sanctions have since been eased, power supply from Nigeria, once pegged at 80 megawatts, now hovers around 46 megawatts, according to Nigerien officials.
Energy Minister Haoua Amadou, speaking to international media recently, acknowledged that the supply shortfall has disrupted daily life and production capacities across the country. However, she also pointed to a silver lining: increased adoption of decentralised energy systems, particularly solar.
“Despite efforts to boost local power generation, supply gaps remain,” she noted. “But we are seeing positive changes with the rising use of solar technology in urban and rural homes.”
Niamey, the capital city, is witnessing a surge in rooftop solar installations, many of which are affordably sourced from China. These compact systems, often sold by street vendors for as low as 50,000 CFA francs (roughly $75), are helping families navigate long hours of load-shedding.
For Lazaret resident Elhadj Abdou, the switch to solar was less about climate consciousness and more about survival. “There used to be days without light. Now with solar, my home runs smoothly and without electricity bills,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state-run utility company Nigelec continues to implement controlled blackouts, prioritising essential services while encouraging communities to seek alternative solutions.
Nigeria, which supplies power to several neighbouring countries, generates electricity mainly from thermal and hydroelectric plants. But recent political instability in the region has affected these long-standing arrangements, pushing partner nations to reconsider their energy dependencies.
Experts believe the current crisis could reshape West Africa’s energy landscape, prompting governments and citizens alike to invest in more resilient and locally controlled power systems.
