In February 2020, Nigeria’s first commercial undergrid minigrid came online in Mokoloki, Ogun State, Nigeria. Despite a tumultuous year that included the global COVID-19 pandemic, the undergrid minigrid project remained financially sound. New customers have been acquired steadily, individual demand for electricity is growing, and the minigrid is attracting new businesses to Mokoloki.

A new undergrid minigrid pilot in Mokoloki, which provides stable electricity through a new, sustainable economic and regulatory model, shows how utilities, private developers, and communities can work together for mutual benefit.

The Mokoloki project demonstrates a financially viable business model that could provide electricity access to millions living in underserved rural communities throughout the country.

The solar hybrid project in Mokoloki community is Nigeria’s first rural commercial undergrid minigrid, coming online in February 2020. Through an innovative partnership between Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Nayo Tropical Technology (Nayo Tech), and Mokoloki community—with advisory support from Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)—this project demonstrates a path to collaboration.

Improving the Economics and Reliability of Rural Electricity Service with Undergrid Minigrids

Collaborative Business Models for Developing Minigrids Under the Grid

How Community-Led Minigrid Projects Can Strengthen Rural Electrification in Africa

How Four Simple and Collaborative Business Models Can Unlock Nigeria’s $1 Billion Undergrid Minigrid Market

Growing the Minigrid Market

Using Undergrid Minigrids to Drive Development in Thousands of Sub-Saharan African Communities

Minigrids can be the least-cost option for electricity access for millions of people who lack access to reliable electricity, however market penetration remains low.