Abuja, Nigeria, August 14, 2025 – The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), implemented by ECOWAS and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), with funding support from the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), and the Government of the Netherlands (DGIS), is launching a major regional campaign to facilitate the entry of non-solar businesses into the off-grid solar energy market.
Objective of the Campaign
This initiative aims to expand access to electricity across West and Central Africa by strategically engaging established non-solar businesses—particularly those with robust distribution networks, strong customer bases, and operational experience. Through technical assistance, training, and financial linkages, ROGEAP seeks to empower these businesses to transition into the solar value chain and contribute to scaling solar adoption in underserved communities.
By leveraging the market reach and infrastructure of businesses in sectors such as retail, FMCG, consumer electronics, and logistics, ROGEAP will foster a more inclusive and sustainable solar ecosystem across the region.
Launch of the Campaign
The application portal officially opens on August 15, 2025, through September 15, 2025. During this period, interested businesses can submit their applications to be assessed and profiled for potential participation in the program.
Training and Technical Assistance
Shortlisted businesses will be invited to participate in a 2-day virtual preparatory webinar scheduled for October 2025, providing foundational insights into solar PV systems and business modelling. This will be followed by in-person training sessions in November and December 2025, hosted across 2 to 5 selected countries. These sessions will focus on practical aspects of market entry, technical installation, customer engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Beyond Training: Linkage and Support
Beyond capacity building, participating businesses will receive customized, one-on-one support from ROGEAP’s network of technical partners. This includes assistance with formalizing solar operations, developing market entry plans, and accessing financing through ROGEAP’s grant windows and credit facilities, all aligned with ROGEAP’s broader grant cycles.
Inclusive and Strategic Growth
ROGEAP’s approach is grounded in inclusivity. Women-led and women-owned businesses, as well as those with significant female representation in leadership, are strongly encouraged to apply. The campaign underscores the importance of gender equity and local capacity in achieving long-term electrification and development goals.
How to Participate
Eligible businesses in the following countries are invited to apply Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Central African Republic.
The application portal will go live on August 15, 2025.
To learn more and submit your application, visit: https://rogeappfm.com/non-solar-business/#apply-now
Media Contact
Email: info@rogeappfm.com
Website: www.rogeappfm.com
Social Media: @rogeappfm
