In this episode of Connecting the Dots, we dive into Nigeria’s electrification challenges in real time, what progress has been made, what bottlenecks persist, and what practical solutions are emerging to scale access. Anita Otubu unpacks how results-based financing is changing the economics of mini-grids and solar deployment, and why de-risking investment remains essential for private sector participation.
In this episode of Connecting the Dots, we sit down with David Arinze renewable energy expert, UNDP Advisor, Yale FDCE Scholar, and Lead of the Renewable Energy Thematic Working Group to unpack the dynamics of international funding in Nigeria’s off-grid market, the risks of dependency, and what it will take to transition from donor-driven growth to a sustainable, locally anchored clean energy future.
In this episode, we’re joined by Ije Ikoku Okeke, Managing Director for Catalytic Climate Capital at Rocky Mountain Institute. With deep experience across finance, power distribution, and investment advisory, Ije explains how money, policy, and partnerships intersect. We explore how to move beyond pilots, design financing that works for Africa, and ensure that the transition isn’t just green, but also inclusive and equitable.
Global efforts to increase renewable energy capacity by 2030 and phase out fossil fuels have created an urgency to rethink energy transition investment frameworks through a systemic lens.
In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Dr. Jason J, Director of MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, joins us to discuss:
Africa’s pursuit of universal energy access has birthed several electrification initiatives. In Nigeria, one of the most impactful has been the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), a nationally led effort that has expanded off-grid access to millions and laid the groundwork for scalable, inclusive energy solutions. Now, building on NEP’s success, the continent is turning to even more ambitious targets through Mission 300.
On this episode of Connecting the Dots, Mr Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Program, shares lessons from the program and plans to scale rural electrification in alignment with the continent’s Mission 300 plans.
This episode of Connecting the Dots spotlights a practical solution to one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges: electricity access in underserved communities.
Our guest, Emmanuel Terwase, isn’t just raising awareness, he’s driving change. As the founder of Boost Power, a clean energy start-up, he’s using solar microgrids to power rural markets, reduce operating costs, and enable small businesses thrive.
In this conversation, Emmanuel shares the story behind Boost Power and highlights the critical role platforms like the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) play in accelerating partnerships and scaling impact across the continent.
Connecting the Dots is renewed for a second season!!
This season kicks-off with a special weekly series that spotlights the African Energy Forum (AEF).
Hosted by EnergyNet, the African Energy Forum (AEF) has built a reputation as a catalytic forum that initiates, mobilises, and encourages meaningful business partnerships and collaborations. It has birthed some of the impactful projects we see in Africa today. Despite these remarkable achievements, the quest for sustainable energy access and development remains ongoing.
As we approach the 27th edition of the AEF, themed "Africa United", we recognise the urgent need for strategic collaborations to address Africa's persistent energy challenges. In this episode, we are joined by Simon Gosling, Managing Director, EnergyNet & Founder, and Youth Energy Summit (YES!). He joins us to discuss key developments influencing Africa's energy market, expectations for AEF 2025, and the fundamental role of youth engagement in shaping the future.
On this episode of ‘WATTS with the Grid? we hear from women in the private sector who have invested or attempted to invest in the global energy space. They address the sector’s opportunities and challenges through an investor lens and also explore Nigeria's current Power sector landscape from that perspective.
Join Catherine Ashenuga-Farrer (CEO Trennco Towers), Ugwem Eneyo (Ceo & Founder of Shyft Power Solutions), Hassana Aliyu (VP Konnexa, Energy Company of the Future) and our host Dr. Stella Odiase on this episode of 'WATTs with the Grid'?
This podcast is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by Nextier. It is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO)
On this episode of WATTS with the Grid, we are joined by Dolapo Kukoyi (Managing Partner, Detail Solicitors) and Habiba Ali (Managing Director/CEO, Sosai Renewable Energies Company). Fresh from COP 29 in Azerbaijan, they share their perspectives on key discussions that featured at the event, such as climate finance, energy access, and the importance of positioning Nigeria to leverage global opportunities.
This podcast is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by Nextier. It is a Women on the Grid Hub initiative supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
In this special episode, we feature a group of young women in the Power sector.
Join Chartered Accountant and Portfolio Manager at UKNIAF Adeola Adebisi; Electrical Engineer and Project Manager at UKNIAF Aisha Mala Sheriff; Energy Policy Research Analyst at Nextier, Doose Iortyom as they reflect on their experiences. They share their insights on critical issues shaping the sector, including valuable advice they would offer to their younger selves.
This podcast is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by Nextier. It is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
In this episode of WATTS with the Grid, Female executives in Nigeria's Power sector examine the country's Electricity Act 2023 and its implications for the distribution subsector. With the repeal of the 2005 reform act, the new legislation grants states, private investors, and individuals the power to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. This conversation explores what this means for the 11 distribution companies (DisCos) currently serving Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Join Rahila Thomas (Country Director, Energy Market and Rates Consultants Limited), Olajumoke Delano (Energy Sector Executive and Multi-Jurisdictional Lawyer), and our host Stella Odiase as they discuss the potential impact on energy access and how this shift could reshape Nigeria's Energy Scene.
This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by The Nextier. WATTS 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱’? Is a Women on the Grid Hub initiative, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
This episode discusses how Nigeria can bridge the climate finance gap to meet its ambitious targets. Our guests, Chintal Barot (Founder, Co-Sustain Consulting) and Titilayo Oshodi (Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State), share insights on accessing funding, the role of gender in climate finance and why the economic argument is crucial for driving climate action.
Some states are already making big moves with climate-smart projects, and we explore how they’re pushing for greener infrastructure, smart finance, and lasting change.
This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by The Nextier. WATTS 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱? Is a Women on the Grid Hub initiative, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
WATTS with the Grid? Is back with an informative episode on Climate and Infrastructure Finance: The What, Whys and Hows.
Despite Nigeria investing an estimated USD 1.9 billion annually in climate-related activities, this is just 11% of the USD 17.7 billion needed to meet its emissions reduction goals by 2030. In this episode, we ask the critical questions: What’s driving these disparities? How can they be addressed? And what are the emerging opportunities, especially in light of the new Electricity Act 2023, which opens doors for renewable energy development across all 36 states?
This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub, produced by The Nextier. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱? Is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
The global shift to green economies is creating a huge demand for minerals like lithium, copper, cobalt, and manganese. These minerals are essential for batteries, solar panels, and other green tech that underpin the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. However, poorly executed mining projects in fragile regions can exacerbate conflicts, risking the transition’s success at the expense of increased suffering and strife. As such, it is crucial to examine the broader implications of the green transition for local communities and critically assess if the sacrifices demanded are ethically acceptable at regional and global levels.
This episode features Jabri Ibrahim, Africa Special Programmes Lead, UN, High-Level Climate Champions. He joins us to discuss responsible mining, energy transition and everything in between.
This week, the Connecting the Dots Podcast features Olamide Niyi-Afuye, CEO of the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA). He joins us to discuss Financing Options for Mini-Grid Development in Africa. Sustainable mini-grids have emerged as a practical solution to the electrification challenge. However, financing mini-grids in developing countries is challenging.
This conversation provides guidelines and essential recommendations for securing financing mechanisms for mini-grid developments in Africa.
WATTS with the Grid? returns with its second episode!
This week, women working in the on-grid sector share insights on 'Gas as a Transition Fuel: Rhetoric versus Reality'. While electricity in Nigeria is generated through thermal and hydropower sources, Nigeria's electricity primarily comes from fossil fuels, notably gas, at 86%. This conversation discusses the country's ambitious plans to increase international exports/domestic consumption while aiming to attain emissions and sustainable development goals.
This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub, produced by The Nextier. This series is also supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
Connecting the Dots is pleased to announce a special episode featuring the debut of “Watts with the Grid?” A conversation WITH Women in the Power Sector. This series gives policymakers, managers, and decision-makers in the Nigerian energy space who are women a chance to discuss issues pertinent to transforming the Nigerian energy sector. This podcast series is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech and funded by FCDO.
In this episode, women working in the on-grid sector share their perspectives on the ongoing national discourse surrounding tariff increases. Has the implementation of Service-Based Tariffs (SBT) truly enhanced customer service for electric power distribution companies (DisCos)? Has it led to higher collections and market remittance revenues without a corresponding tariff hike as initially intended? Is it premature to draw conclusions, and if so, when can we expect clarity? Moreover, what implications does the price of electricity hold for national commitments toward a low-carbon transition? Tune in to Join the conversation and gain valuable insights into these pressing issues.
The global shift towards clean energy sources and growing concerns about the capacity and resilience of energy grids have heightened the interest in energy storage solutions. These technologies are pivotal in bridging the gap between intermittent renewable energy generation and consistent power supply.
This episode features Julia Souder, Chief Executive Officer of Long Duration Energy Storage Council. She joins us to discuss emerging technologies in energy storage and how these technologies promote energy reliability and increase the efficiency of grids worldwide. The conversation also suggests policy recommendations for the Nigerian market.
Nigeria’s energy transition and the escalating transportation costs prompt a growing interest in using compressed Natural Gas for alternative fueling. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) in August 2023 in response to these challenges. This initiative holds a visionary outlook, seeking to harness Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.
In this episode, our guest is Michael Oluwagbemi, program manager/chief executive officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative. He joins the podcast to discuss the progress in adopting CNG as an alternative fuel and Nigeria’s preparedness for this transformative shift.
The Connecting the Dots Podcast Series is back! For the first episode of the year, our guest is Mr. Sadiq Wanka. He is the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Power Infrastructure. This discussion will explore key sector events from the year 2023, and how these events are shaping Nigeria’s energy sector. Setting the pace for the new year, it is imperative to reflect on 2023, identify gaps, propose directives, and strategize for a successful 2024.
