ENERGY
GREEN INVESTMENTS IN NIGERIA: SUSTAINABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS
GREEN INVESTMENTS IN NIGERIA: SUSTAINABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS
INTRODUCTION:
The value of sustainable investments has emerged as the globe struggles to address the problems caused by climate change. The largest economy in Africa, Nigeria, offers excellent potential for green investments. This article examines the possibilities for sustainable investment in Nigeria, highlighting the nation’s market for renewable energy, green infrastructure initiatives, and governmental programs that make it a desirable location for investors who care about the environment.
RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKET
Nigeria has a huge potential for the development of renewable energy because of its plentiful solar, wind, and biomass resources. To entice investors into the sector, the government has put rules and incentives in place. By 2030, Nigeria’s entire energy mix is to include 30% renewable energy, according to the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP). Investment opportunities exist in industries like solar power plants, wind farms, biomass energy, and mini-grids to offer off-grid communities sustainable energy options.
A substantial section of Nigeria’s population doesn’t have access to a steady source of electricity. Off-grid energy solutions can fill this energy shortfall while reducing carbon emissions at the same time. The opportunity for investors to supply clean and affordable energy to marginalized populations through solar household systems, mini-grids, and decentralized renewable energy solutions is enormous. Programs like the Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) were started by the government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to boost off-grid energy access and open doors for private investors.
Nigeria’s expanding population and quick urbanization call for the development of sustainable infrastructure. Investors can look at opportunities in waste management, water resource management, energy-efficient transportation systems, and green building development. The dedication of the government to The Lagos Green Building Policy, which strives to encourage environmentally and energy-friendly structures, is an example of sustainable infrastructure. Such initiatives not only lessen their negative effects on the environment, but they also have long-term economic advantages.
The Nigerian government has put in place a number of laws, regulations, and incentives to promote green investments. In particular, renewable energy and environmental sustainability are highlighted in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government. Additionally, organizations like the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI), which provide funding for sustainable projects, offer tax incentives, exemptions, and grants.
INITIATIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Nigeria has taken action to safeguard its natural resources because it understands the value of environmental preservation. Initiatives for environmental sustainability include a variety of initiatives to address environmental issues, safeguard natural resources, and minimize ecological footprints. Among the organizations actively promoting these projects are the National Park Service (NPS) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Some important environmental sustainability efforts are listed below:
- Transition to Renewable Energy: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change depend heavily on the utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Governments, companies, and private citizens are making investments in clean energy infrastructure and encouraging the use of it.
- Energy Conservation and Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency is a crucial step in lowering energy use and waste. This entails putting in place energy-saving technologies, encouraging energy-saving habits, and implementing energy management systems. it aids reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing emissions from the transportation industry is an important step toward environmental sustainability. Developing facilities for cycling and walking as well as promoting public transportation and electric automobiles are all part of this. It seeks to lessen reliance on fossil fuels, traffic congestion, and air pollution.
- Waste Management and Recycling: To conserve resources and cut down on the amount of waste transported to landfills, effective waste management and recycling programs are crucial. This entails putting recycling programs into place, supporting composting, minimizing single-use plastics, and promoting eco-friendly packaging techniques.
- Conservation of Natural Resources: Protecting and conserving natural resources, such as forests, water bodies, and biodiversity, is vital for maintaining ecological balance. Initiatives include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable forestry practices, restoring degraded lands, and implementing water conservation measures.
- Circular Economy: Changing to a circular economy is a crucial step toward minimizing waste and maximizing resource use. Creating durable products, recycling and reusing resources, and embracing ideas like product sharing and extended producer responsibility are all part of it.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Supporting sustainable agricultural methods like organic farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture reduces the use of chemicals, protects soil quality, and maintains biodiversity. Along with decreasing food waste, initiatives support fair trade principles and local, seasonal food production.
- Conservation and Restoration of Ecosystems: Preserving and restoring ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs, is crucial for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Initiatives include reforestation projects, wetland restoration, marine conservation efforts, and sustainable land management practices.
- Education and Awareness: Promoting environmental education and raising awareness about sustainability issues is a fundamental initiative. This includes integrating sustainability into educational curricula, organizing campaigns and workshops, and fostering sustainable behavior change among individuals and communities.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: For effective sustainability efforts to be driven, partnerships and collaborations between governments, organizations, and communities are crucial. Large-scale sustainability projects can be implemented more easily because to multi-stakeholder efforts, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation.
These programs are essential for combating environmental problems, fostering a more sustainable future, and preserving the welfare of current and future generations. Among the groups actively involved are the National Park Service (NPS) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). in supporting these programs.
CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
While the potential for green investments in nigeria is significant, there are difficulties to be survived. Investors may encounter difficulties due to problems like inadequate financial access, unclear regulations, and the requirement for effective sustainability reporting mechanisms. However, the Nigerian government’s dedication to sustainable growth and increased knowledge about environmental issues provide a good investment climate
Challenges:
- Limited Knowledge And Instruction: The lack of knowledge and comprehension of green technology and their potential advantages is one of Nigeria’s biggest obstacles to green investment. The prospects and benefits of investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other green sectors may not be well known to many investors and enterprises.
- The Absence Of A Policy And Regulatory Framework: It is extremely difficult to create a complete policy and regulatory framework for green investment. Investors require a stable and benevolent political setting that offers incentives, rules, and regulations to support green investments.
- Access to Finance: In many nations, including Nigeria, obtaining financing is a problem for green investment. Investments in renewable energy projects and other green initiatives must be enticed by adequate financing methods, such as green bonds, venture capital funds, and public-private partnerships.
- Infrastructure And Technical Skills: Nigerian green investment faces difficulties due to inadequate infrastructure and low technical skills. Potential investors in renewable energy projects may be put off by, for instance, the absence of dependable energy grids. Similarly, a lack of knowledgeable workers with experience in green technologies could be detrimental. the execution and upkeep of environmental programs.
- Political Instability and Corruption: These two factors may discourage green investors. For green sectors to attract long-term investments, a stable political climate and open government are essential.
Future Outlook:
- Growing Advocacy and Awareness: As people become more aware of environmental problems and the advantages of green investment, there is a growing movement in Nigeria toward sustainable and green development. Campaigns for education and advocacy can be quite effective in raising awareness of the value of green investment.
- Policy And Regulation Changes: To encourage green investment, the Nigerian government has begun enacting changes. For instance, the Nigerian Green Bond Programme was introduced in 2017 to raise money for green projects. Reforms to policies and laws should continue. to foster an environment that will attract investment in green projects.
- Investment and Financing Opportunities: With the expansion of renewable energy projects, energy-efficient infrastructure, waste management systems, and sustainable agricultural methods, Nigeria is likely to see an increase in green investment opportunities. The government is also looking into ways to entice private sector involvement and foreign direct investment into the green sector.
- Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: International partnerships and technology transfers can assist Nigeria develop its technical expertise in green industries. Technical training initiatives and collaborations can improve local professionals’ competencies, fostering the effective implementation and upkeep of green project initiatives.
- International Support: Through financial support, technical help, and information sharing, international organizations and development partners can support the expansion of green investment in Nigeria. Working together can assist solve problems and promote the nation’s sustainable development.
Despite these obstacles, Nigeria’s prospects for green investment are positive due to increased government backing, rising awareness, and prospective investment opportunities in a range of green sectors.
CONCLUSION:
For investors looking to match their portfolios with sustainability goals, green investments in Nigeria provide attractive options. For environmentally minded investors, the market for renewable energy, green infrastructure projects, government assistance, and environmental activities offer an alluring panorama. Aside from offering excellent profits, investing in Nigeria’s green sector will help combat climate change and advance a more sustainable future as the nation continues to place a high priority on sustainable development.
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ENERGY
Kontinental Energy Services (KES), Gulfstream Services to Showcase Innovative Petroleum Equipment
Kontinental Energy Services will participate as a Bronze Exhibitor at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 this November in Cape Town
International oil and gas service company Kontinental Energy Services (KES) and U.S.-based upstream company Gulfstream Services will participate as Bronze Exhibitors at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference in Cape Town this November. Operating in key African oil and gas markets, KES and Gulfstream Services will leverage the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 platform to showcase their specialized expertise, advice and solutions to international businesses and industry leaders.
Serving as the premier energy event for the African continent, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 – taking place in Cape Town from November 4-8 – recognizes the value of tailor-made branding experiences. As such, the conference will feature an exhibition that provides attendees with exposure to a wide range of African energy projects, technical innovations and market opportunities.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Last November, KES partnered with Gulfstream Services to support the development of oil and gas projects across Africa. Under the partnership, the two companies agreed to establish workstation hubs across the continent and facilitate the maintenance and provision of equipment and technical training across the upstream sector. Poised to support a number of projects across the continent, the partnership will focus on supporting oilfield operations in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Angola, Namibia and Nigeria. In line with providing cost-effective services in the countries where they operate, KES and Gulfstream Services will also support economic growth, job creation and local content development across the continent.
As a world-class supplier of high-pressure equipment; offshore drilling completion and intervention applications; pumping operations support; and hydraulic support systems KES is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this year’s exhibition. Meanwhile, Gulfstream Services offers a wide range of engineering equipment and technical solutions across the entire life cycle of well drilling. The company has experience in every aspect of production, from well-drilling to completions, production, well intervention and decommissioning, providing customers with quality products such as high-pressure piping, wireline control equipment and spill mitigation systems.
At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, KES will showcase its specialized expertise and innovative solutions in a dedicated environment that highlights the latest developments in African energy, positioning the company as a leader in the oil and gas services industry. KES and Gulfstream Services join a wide range of exhibition structures, showcasing the companies’ services, talent and competitive edge to over 5,000 delegates.
“The involvement of Kontinental Energy Services and Gulfstream Services at AEW: Invest in African Energy underscores the importance of engaging industry leaders dedicated to transforming Africa’s energy landscape. Their expertise and focus on local content development will significantly enhance our mandate to make energy poverty history and empower Africans to write their own stories in energy development. We look forward to fostering meaningful connections that drive progress across the continent,” states African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
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ENERGY
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Commemorates 1st Anniversary of Feed Salone, Encourages Citizens to Grow What They Eat
Encouraging all Sierra Leoneans to engage in agriculture regardless of their background, President Bio showcased his own endeavors, highlighting the cultivation of over 1,400 acres of rice
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, October 18, 2024/ — His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, development partners, and farmers from across the nation to mark the first anniversary of the Feed Salone Initiative during the World Food Day celebrations, themed “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” The President urged Sierra Leoneans to take initiative by growing their own food, even in their backyards.
He emphasized that while large-scale farming plays a critical role in realizing the Feed Salone objectives, if every citizen takes part in cultivating their food, his vision of food self-sufficiency for the nation will soon be a reality. He asserted that no nation can thrive without its people engaging in an agricultural revolution and called on all Sierra Leoneans to fully support the Feed Salone program for the greater good of the country.
President Bio reflected on how his flagship program during his first term focused on education, leading to an increase in school attendance among girls. He took the opportunity to express gratitude to the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, for her timely advocacy for the protection of girls in the country.
Encouraging all Sierra Leoneans to engage in agriculture regardless of their background, President Bio showcased his own endeavors, highlighting the cultivation of over 1,400 acres of rice and an additional 500 acres of oil palm on his farm. He clarified that Feed Salone is about the welfare of Sierra Leoneans not about him as President or the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), urging citizens to actively pursue farming.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, expressed his gratitude to farmers for exhibiting their produce and demonstrating their efforts since the launch of the Feed Salone Initiative by President Bio. He urged farmers to remain patient with the government as it works to improve the sector, assuring them that with their support and government commitment, the goals of Feed Salone are within reach.
Mr. Saeed Abubakar Bancie, the Food and Agricultural Organisation representative in Sierra Leone, thanked President Bio for his dedication to agriculture through the Feed Salone initiative, noting the global increase in hunger and the pressing need for food diversification. He assured continued support from FAO for Feed Salone, including assistance for farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture in providing livestock, implementing innovative best practices, and empowering local communities.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed appreciation to farmers nationwide for their steadfast support of President Bio’s Feed Salone initiative. He highlighted that October 16th is not just an ordinary World Food Day celebration, but the very day President Bio launched Feed Salone, urging farmers to leverage their resources to turn agriculture into the nation’s breadbasket.
Dr. Kpaka confirmed that farmers have embraced the President’s call for widespread agricultural engagement across the country, citing several leading women farmers, including those in the diaspora. He assured farmers and private sector stakeholders that their contributions matter, particularly in rice, onion, seed production, poultry, and egg production, which have conserved valuable foreign reserves.
The Minister promised that Feed Salone will continue until Sierra Leone can produce rice that is less expensive than imported varieties, improve connections for farmers to access markets through better road infrastructure, provide financial support to farmers, and create additional jobs in the sector. He encouraged everyone to engage in farming at any scale, reiterating the imperative that together, we can grow what we eat and urging others to take an active role in the Feed Salone initiative.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
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ENERGY
Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC) at the centre of regional transmission expansion: Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit 2024
Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC) at the centre of regional transmission expansion: Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit 2024
Confirmed as one of the most stable and important investment destinations on the continent, Tanzania prepares to host the fifth annual Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit (TECS) from 31 January to 1 February 2024 in Arusha, home of the East African Community (EAC).
Investors from across industry, finance and government are convening to showcase Tanzania’s potential. Potential that is epitomised by a country now ranked third in sub-Saharan Africa for future investment, that is expected to see 6% GDP growth by 2025, and that has seen hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars of investment, targeted towards infrastructure, hydropower, LNG and solar projects in recent years.
Ranked by KPMG behind only South Africa and Nigeria, Tanzania has confirmed its status when it comes to trade and investment.
The nation was cited for its strategic location to the east of the continent, its abundance of natural resources, and its recent investment spike, especially in the power sector. A first on-grid 50MW solar power plant, a $300 million investment into hydropower, a $42 billion LNG project formed by Shell, Equinor and Exxon Mobil, and almost $7 billion injected into infrastructure, confirms its attractiveness both in Africa, and globally.
Organised by EnergyNet, TECS24 will not only highlight these success stories but look at future trade and generation projects poised to transform the country and region further. Challenges around financing and guarantees will also be brought to the fore, to ensure that momentum isn’t lost and that the country’s power sector continues to go from strength to strength.
Alongside major investors, stakeholders attending include national ministers from Tanzania, Malawi and Ethiopia, as well as heads of national utilities, including Tanzania’s Managing Director of TANESCO, Gissima Nyamo-Hanga. Speakers from Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and Zambia’s ZESCO will also be present. They, alongside representatives from the public and private sectors, DFIs – including AfDB, BII, World Bank Group and ATIDI – and multilaterals, will descend on Arusha for an intimate, high-level business retreat like no other.
With an emphasis on Tanzania’s’ position as a regional energy enabler, topics being brought to the table include Tanzania’s economic outlook and energy development potential, as well as plotting the best way to build a regional power market. Public-private partnerships in transmission projects will also be on the agenda, in addition to DFIs, governance and regulations, and the vital role of renewables. Attendees will be invited to offer ideas around building better regional interconnection, more robust frameworks for trade and investment, and ultimately to form a roadmap for regional energy access moving forward.
“Tanzania’s positioning on the continent has made it pivotal to trade. With connections between south and east and also to the rest of the world, the country has always had the potential to be a trailblazer for industrial growth – and now we’re seeing how this potential will be realised. It’s therefore hugely exciting to showcase Tanzania’s growth and to make sure the opportunity and momentum continues.” said Simon Gosling, Managing Director, EnergyNet.
He continued, “We’re also delighted to be hosting the summit in Arusha, giving everyone the time and space to deep-dive into the sector’s most pressing topics.”
“With Tanzania being one of our founding member countries, we are keen to do more in support of the country’s energy sector goals. Building on the progress made at last year’s event in Dar es Salaam, we hope that TECS24 will provide greater clarity on the proposed role of the private sector in the energy sector and how DFIs – particularly multilateral insurers and guarantors like ATIDI – can be supportive of such efforts and the wider energy transition,” commented Obbie Banda, Underwriter & Acting RLSF Coordinator at the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI).
Aleem Tharani, Co-Head for Infrastructure Sector Group (Africa), Bowmans and Head of Projects, Energy & Infrastructure (Africa), concluded: “The 5th Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s energy sector. By uniting investors, government entities and industry specialists, we’re fostering dialogues crucial for advancing Tanzania’s energy roadmap, prioritising gas and renewables, and enhancing regional transmission. Bowmans is proud to sponsor this summit, recognising its significance in shaping Africa’s energy future and strengthening public-private partnerships.”
FACILITATING ENERGY INVESTMENT IN FAST-GROWING ECONOMIES – EnergyNet has produced investment forums and executive dialogues for Africa and Latin America’s power sectors for the last 25 years – in Europe, the USA, Asia and across Africa and Latin America.
We work with governments and national utilities to facilitate investment summits where credible international investors can build relationships with public sector stakeholders to advance access to power.
Best known for the Africa Energy Forum, the longest-serving business development meeting place for senior-level decision makers in Africa’s power sector, other leading investment summits we provide strategic perspectives on the investment landscape and project preparation include the Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit, H2 Africa, Offshore Technology Africa, Powering Africa Summit, Latin American Energy Forum and Latin American & Caribbean Gas Conference and Exhibition. YES! Youth Energy Summit and YES! Youth Energy Day are part of the portfolio, with a focus on creating a platform and network to boost the skills, connections and business readiness of a new generation of African energy leaders
Having this focus on public and private sector partnerships provides us with a valuable lens through which we can offer independent perspectives and support the business development activities of companies from around the world operating in these fast-growing markets. Our team talks daily with stakeholders across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to support these insights, so relationships and investor insights are our business and our passion.
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