GET.invest launches Nigeria country window
11 February 2025 | GET.invest has officially launched its Nigeria Country Window, established with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and Germany. The launch event, held in Lagos, brought together approximately 150 key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as international development partners, to discuss how GET.invest Nigeria will catalyse investment in renewable energy solutions to address the country’s electricity access challenges.
Together with its donors – the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria – GET.invest has established a series of country windows that allow the programme to focus on selected national sustainable energy markets. GET.invest Nigeria builds on the broader GET.invest services to unlock financing for sustainable energy projects and businesses, specifically tailoring them to the Nigerian context, and is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The new country window will closely cooperate with other donor-funded initiatives in Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), which has been co-funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) since 2013.
Addressing Nigeria’s energy access challenges
With a population exceeding 220 million, Nigeria faces critical energy challenges. Approximately 90 million people lack access to reliable electricity, and despite an installed generation capacity of 12.5 GW, only about 5 GW are available for use. This power deficit leads to significant economic losses estimated at ₦7-10 trillion annually (~EUR 24.3 billion), disproportionately impacting micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). To bridge the gap, businesses and households rely on expensive petrol and diesel generators, which cost over four times the average grid tariff of EUR 0.12/kWh.
To address these challenges, GET.invest Nigeria will facilitate access to finance for clean energy companies and projects through GET.invest’s Finance Access Advisory, and boost local currency financing through its EDGE Finance service. These tailored facilities will support Nigerian developers and businesses in securing investments, scaling up decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy transition and universal electrification goals.
High-level endorsements
In representation of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power, Permanent Secretary, Engr. Temitope Dina, emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to a brighter and more sustainable future, signalling the arrival of GET.invest Nigeria at a critical time in the nation’s journey toward achieving 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.”
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas called on investors “to see the launch as an opportunity to invest wisely and strategically, because the return on investment promises to be very high”. He added that “GET.invest Nigeria is our answer to some of the country’s challenges. It is also part of our commitment to innovation, sustainability and resilience.”
Speaking at the launch, Inga Stefanowicz, Team Leader for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “The EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable economic growth. Reliable electricity is essential for social and economic development, and unlocking finance for renewable energy solutions is a critical step toward bridging 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.”
Weert Börner, Consul General at the German Consulate General in Lagos, highlighted Germany’s commitment: “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. We look forward to seeing this initiative help unlock new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.”
Lawrence Edeke, GET.invest Nigeria Coordinator, underscored the role of the new country window in driving energy investment: “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 mobilise the level of investment required to meet Nigeria’s ambitious energy and climate commitments, ultimately fostering a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.”
Looking ahead
GET.invest Nigeria will also provide market intelligence, industry mobilisation and capacity development support to local stakeholders, equipping them with the tools needed to expand clean energy solutions across the country. By leveraging the expertise and networks of the broader GET.invest programme, the country window is set to accelerate investments that will enhance energy security, drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
For further information, please contact the GET.invest Nigeria Country Window Coordinator, Lawrence Edeke (lawrence.edeke@get-invest.eu).