GE and USADF launch Off-Grid Energy Challenge in Nigeria

In order to support off-grid energy solutions, the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) has teamed with GE Africa (NYSE: GE) to launch the Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge, a three-year, USD $2 million challenge that will award 20 or more grants of up to $100,000 each to African companies and organizations providing off-grid solutions that deploy renewable resources and power economic activities. 

To increase electricity access to underserved, marginalized communities in Africa, United States government agencies and private corporations are working in concert with Power Africa, the White House-led initiative, to drive growth by increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power and by helping to ensure responsible, transparent and effective management of energy resources.  

Speaking at a news briefing in Abuja to announce the call for proposals, President/CEO of GE Nigeria Lazarus Angbazo said GE is proud to be associated with this initiative, which promotes innovation in Off-Grid Energy solutions. He said GE deeply involved in efforts to energize the power sector in Nigeria. He disclosed that GE had signed an MOU with the Federal Government to help develop an additional 10,000MegaWatts of power over the next ten years, a commitment Mr. Angbazo said was achievable by leveraging on GE’s technical expertise pedigree and  experience in the sector. Nigeria and Ghana are the first set of countries to benefit from the initiative but other countries like Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia could be included over the next 3 years. “GE is working with stakeholders in Nigeria and Kenya to provide sustainable ways to power more of Africa. Nigerians and Kenyans know what works in their communities, and are encouraged in this competition to apply local solutions to the power challenges.” Said Angbazo.