COWAS and Ecobank Partner to Promote Empowerment Through Alternative Energy Solutions

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the World Bank, has trained over 100 Nigerian entrepreneurs in off-grid solar energy systems under a specialized programme targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative is part of the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), which aims to foster a regional market for standalone solar energy solutions across West Africa. ROGEAP is funded by the World Bank, with additional support from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Netherlands.

El Hadji Sylla, Senior Adviser at the ECOWAS Commission for ROGEAP, announced the development during a three-day Entrepreneurship Business Training held in Lagos in collaboration with Ecobank. Sylla disclosed that Nigerian SMEs have already received grants totaling $800,000 under the project, enhancing their role in the solar energy value chain.

Capacity-building workshops held in Abuja and Lagos aimed to strengthen both the technical and financial competencies of participating SMEs. Sylla emphasized that the training is designed to support the long-term growth and sustainability of solar-focused businesses.

He further revealed ongoing discussions between ECOWAS and the Ecobank Group to create mechanisms for providing technical assistance and financial support, including direct credit lines, to eligible SMEs in the solar sector.

“The first component of ROGEAP, led by ECOWAS, is focused on building a robust regional market for off-grid solar solutions. A key strategy is to equip SMEs with the skills to deliver technically sound and commercially viable projects that meet lending standards,” Sylla stated.

“This year, we have worked closely with Ecobank Nigeria to align solar SME portfolios with the bank’s financing criteria. Our goal is to ensure the projects are both technically feasible and bankable,” he added.

Salamatu Baba Tunwzang, Team Lead for ROGEAP’s Entrepreneurship Support Facilities, highlighted that the programme extends beyond technical training. She said it prepares SMEs to access not only ROGEAP grants but also broader funding opportunities.

“Businesses in our network benefit from technical assistance, financial resources, and capacity building for installers. They gain access to funding, market intelligence, and strategic networking opportunities,” she explained.

Speaking at the event, Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria—represented by Otega Odjegna, Regional Head, Apapa—reaffirmed the pivotal role of SMEs in economic development. He noted that SMEs account for over 80% of employment in West Africa and are essential for inclusive growth.

Lawal added that the initiative aligns with Ecobank’s ELLEVATE programme and Single Market Trade Hub, both of which offer SMEs tailored financial solutions, digital tools, and market insights to help them scale and compete regionally.