Nigeria has become the second largest market for solar energy kits in the world, according to a report published by GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry with support from Efficiency for Access and the World Bank Group’s Lighting Global Program, with data from January to June of 2022.

“As in previous rounds, positive trends in West Africa are mainly representative of Nigeria with few other markets showing consistent growth. With 465,000 units sold, Nigeria represents 74% of sales recorded in the region,” the report stated.

The latest semi-annual Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report shows that GOGLA affiliates sold 4.33 million solar energy kits, a 25 percent increase compared to a year ago.

Sales of key appliances are also higher than in previous reporting rounds, reflecting both market trends and growing participation in data collection.

However, the prolonged fall in sales volumes in 2020 and 2021 caused by COVID-19, and the long-term impacts of the pandemic and other macroeconomic shocks, means that significant challenges remain in meeting universal electricity access.

According to GOGLA, “Today, more than 100 million people are benefiting from improved access to energy through off-grid solar energy kits reported by GOGLA affiliates, which represent 28% of the global market. Since 2018, 20 million have benefitted from improved access to appliances sold by affiliates,” adding that”Solar energy kit sales in East Africa grew by 8 percent versus the second half of 2021 due to sales accelerating in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia.”

GOGLA said that sales of fans, refrigeration units, and solar water pumps grew compared to the previous reporting round, while TV sales continued to decline. It explained that West Africa has overtaken East Africa as the largest regional market for appliances.

“As a result of new research, it was possible to include impact estimates for solar-powered water pumps and refrigeration units in the report for the first time,” GOGLA said. “Over 270,00 people are benefiting from improved agricultural outcomes or access to water due to solar water pumps sold by affiliates.”

“More than 100,000 people now have access to solar-powered refrigeration, leading to reduced food waste and improved food security.