Expert tackles Nigeria’s off-grid crisis through clean tech

The Solardero Foundation, founded by Sayedero Enitan, is addressing Nigeria's widespread energy poverty through innovative renewable energy solutions tailored for off-grid communities. According to World Bank figures, over 86.8 million Nigerians lacked electricity in 2023, and the foundation aims to bridge this gap by providing clean energy tools to schools and students.

To date, Solardero has distributed approximately 6,000 solar-powered school bags, each equipped with solar panels and study lights, enabling students in rural, un-electrified areas to study safely after dark without resorting to dangerous candles or costly kerosene lamps.

In addition to individual learning solutions, the foundation has also donated complete solar electricity systems and digital learning equipment, such as laptops, to rural schools in remote locations like Ibiade and Idata in Lagos State. To ensure the sustainability of these interventions and promote local capacity building, Solardero incorporates vocational training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into its installations.

Secondary school students learn basic solar installation and maintenance skills, guided by certified technicians.

Sayedero Enitan, the founder, emphasized that the foundation's mission is to simplify everyday challenges related to education, economic opportunities, and safety. By equipping young people with practical tools, the foundation not only brings light into communities but also empowers the next generation with the skills needed to understand, maintain, and potentially pursue careers in renewable technology.

The enterprise derives its name from the Yoruba word for 'to make life easy' and operates with a strong commitment to tangible impact and self-reliance within the target regions.

Primarily funded by personal resources and modest commercial revenues, Solardero is actively seeking corporate partnerships and funding to scale its operations. Future plans include expanding school electrification efforts, distributing solar-powered tote bags to extend trading hours for night-market vendors, and deepening vocational energy skills acquisition in additional off-grid areas. With over 12 years of experience as a journalist focused on business-related stories, Jide covers this story with the following details.