LocationsBy Clare Henshaw and Edith-Casely Fordjoe
Beneficiaries of the UNDP and SMEDAN Partnership
One of the most effective ways to drive economic transformation is through productive use of energy—powering businesses, creating jobs, and enabling inclusive growth. In Nigeria, where access to reliable power remains a bottleneck for many enterprises, targeted investments in renewable energy such as solar energy have proven to be a quick win with lasting impact.
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the inability to access reliable electricity significantly hampers their productivity. This is especially true in sectors that rely heavily on power-intensive activities, such as garment manufacturing, food processing, and other forms of production. As a result, entrepreneurs often face barriers to scaling up, meeting demand, and competing in both local, regional and international markets. This is where strategic investments in energy solutions, particularly solar energy, come into play. They can create a sustainable infrastructure that enables businesses to thrive.
Entrepreneurs often struggle to run their businesses without reliable power, limiting their potential for growth and profitability. However, with access to electricity, they can significantly expand their operations and increase their earnings. A great case is that of Josephine, a determined entrepreneur who exemplifies the profound impact that access to solar energy can have. When Josephine secured a large contract to produce 37,000 uniforms, she was faced with a daunting task: how to efficiently scale her operations to meet the demands of such a large order. The challenge was clear—if she was to expand her production capacity without compromising on quality or increasing her operational costs, she needed reliable energy sources and support systems.
A great case is that of Josephine, a determined entrepreneur who exemplifies the profound impact that access to solar energy can have. When Josephine secured a large contract to produce 37,000 uniforms, she was faced with a daunting task: how to efficiently scale her operations to meet the demands of such a large order.
Josephine
With UNDP’s solarization support for the garment production hub and access to the skilled workforce already in place, Josephine was able to hire over 200 artisans. This expansion created a streamlined production system that not only fulfilled her contract requirements but also opened up new job opportunities and economic prospects for many others. Among those employed was a tailor from northern Nigeria, who, for the first time, earned over a million naira. This financial success enabled him to purchase his first piece of land—an achievement that symbolized dignity, security, and a clear path to economic independence.
Josephine’s story is powerful because the intervention was designed with a beneficiary-centered approach, addressing her business needs—whether energy access, market linkages, or financing. This not only helped her meet her contract but also created ripple effects, enabling local businesses to scale and generate jobs.
At its core, this is about more than just energy access or job creation—it is about strategically positioning Nigerian businesses for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Strengthening productive capacity, ensuring MSMEs can meet large-scale demand, and integrating them into regional value chains are critical steps in making intra-African trade work for Nigeria. When we connect these dots—powering businesses, fostering inclusive economic participation, and enabling market access—we move beyond isolated wins to systemic, transformative change. The big interventions matter, but so do the small, thoughtful ones that directly impact lives. This is the kind of development that endures – one that not only changes one persons’ life but extends to others as well.
