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This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute analyzes China's evolving role in Nigeria's clean energy transition. It details a shift from large-scale, debt-heavy infrastructure projects to smaller, commercially oriented 'BRI 2.0' initiatives focusing on distributed renewables, local manufacturing, and green hydrogen. The document outlines Nigeria's energy deficits, its policy targets for 2030 and 2060, and the strategic 'stacking' of Chinese, Western, and multilateral finance to achieve energy sovereignty and industrialization.

This case study describes RMI's efforts since 2017 to increase energy access in Nigeria through decentralized solar hybrid minigrids, community-centric ownership models, and the promotion of productive energy use in agriculture and industry.

The Nigerian DRE market is growing rapidly, driven by a high energy access deficit (88.5 million unserved) and a heavy reliance on expensive diesel generators. While the mini-grid and stand-alone solar sectors have seen significant growth and commercialization—supported by major initiatives like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP)—barriers remain, including high interest rates (25-35%), currency volatility, and low local manufacturing capacity. Productive Use of Energy (PUE) in agriculture is a key emerging focus, though it remains largely grant-dependent.

This case study describes the work of Nasreen Al-Amin and her non-profit organisation, Surge Africa, in implementing locally-led adaptation projects in Nigeria. It focuses on the Jeji Restoration project in Kano State, which combines landscape restoration with livelihood support for marginalised communities.