Okra & REA Nigeria launch mesh-grid technology to electrify underserved homes
In a bid to advance the Federal Government’s strategic approach towards accelerated deployment of Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) infrastructure for socioeconomic growth, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the nation’s implementing agency for renewable energy and off-grid electrification has entered into partnership with ARE Member Okra Solar and a number of top Nigerian Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) to energise 100,000 underserved homes impacting approximately half a million people with mesh-grid technology.
This collaboration underscores the significant milestone in the REA’s broader mission to electrify over 3 million households through the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program within the next five years. Under this partnership, Okra Solar, alongside five RESCOs—SOSAI Renewable Energies Company, First Electric, Renewvia Energy, Creeds, and Electrify Microgrid—will deploy mesh-grids to provide sustainable energy solutions to communities that have historically been left in the dark. These RESCOs are among the most innovative companies in Nigeria today, dedicated to energizing underserved communities and leveraging advanced technology in order to achieve their goals.
DARES, a $750 million program funded by the World Bank, is the world’s largest energy access initiative. For the first time, a government grant program explicitly includes mesh-grid technology, enabling even the most remote communities to access sustainable energy. The RESCOs will share data with the REA, which in turn will foster an enabling environment for mesh-grids and these companies to scale their impact effectively across Nigeria.
By leveraging modular mesh-grid technology, this collaboration aims to reach the hardest-to-electrify communities where traditional grid extensions and mini-grids are not viable. Mesh grids offer a rapid deployment model with lower capital expenditures, delivering 98%+ uptime—surpassing industry standards—and providing up to 2.4kW of AC power to support productive uses such as water pumping, refrigeration, milling, and electric cooking.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Abba Aliyu Abubakar, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that drive clean energy deployment.
He noted that the partnership is part of the REA’s sustained efforts and commitments targeted at scaling up renewable energy access in Nigeria while powering homes, businesses, schools, and productive-use activities.
In his remarks, Afnan Hannan, CEO Okra Solar, the leading mesh-grid technology provider, emphasised the transformative impact of the initiative, noting that Rural mesh-grids in Nigeria are already outperforming grid power reliability in major urban centers like Lagos and Abuja.
“This collaboration is about more than just connections—it’s about setting a new benchmark for energy access. With some of the most innovative RESCOs in the world, we’re pioneering scalable solutions that empower last-mile communities. This is a defining moment for energy access in Nigeria, and we are committed to achieving 100,000 connections and beyond.”
Also speaking, Managing Director of First Electric Power and Automation Services, Daniel Komolafe, remarked that the goal is to connect 75,000 people under this agreement, marking a significant step forward in our mission to be a reliable energy access provider anywhere in Nigeria.
CEO of Creeds Renewable Energy, Hannah Kabir, stressed that the essence of the partnership is to ensure an inclusive distribution of energy access resources for communities.