The 2025 Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Business Conference and Expo placed renewable energy firmly on the agenda, as stakeholders called on the private sector to take advantage of the country’s expanding clean energy market.
An impact investment company funded by Shell underscored the urgency of clean energy adoption, describing it as central to Nigeria’s economic and social future. The company highlighted its track record of more than 50 investments, with \$40 million committed to projects that have already expanded energy access to 1.2 million people across 190 underserved communities.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the message was particularly significant. Renewable energy is being presented not only as a climate solution but also as a thriving market that offers room for growth, innovation, and inclusive development. With demand rising across communities and industries, SMEs have the opportunity to forge partnerships and integrate renewable solutions into their operations.
Platforms such as the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technology (DART) and the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) are already creating entry points for businesses to participate in Nigeria’s clean energy transition. These initiatives are designed to expand market access, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate the adoption of renewable technologies, giving SMEs a pathway to scale within the sector.
The discussions at the conference reinforced that renewable energy is no longer a peripheral option but a critical driver of development, where private sector participation—especially by SMEs will determine the speed and depth of Nigeria’s transition.
