d.light, a prominent provider of solar energy solutions in Africa and India, has been selected to participate in the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme. This significant initiative, set to launch in March, aims to enhance electricity access for 17.5 million Nigerians through renewable energy sources.
The DARES programme is funded by the World Bank and collaborates with several key development finance institutions, including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the German Development Agency (GIZ), SEforAll, and the African Development Bank (AfDB). This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of various stakeholders to improve energy access and promote sustainable development.
Valentine Okwara, Managing Director of d.light Nigeria, emphasized the transformative potential of the DARES initiative, stating;
DARES is a major catalyst in our mission to empower millions with reliable, affordable, and sustainable solar energy solutions. This initiative goes beyond merely lighting homes; it’s about unlocking economic potential, enhancing productivity, and driving inclusive growth across Nigeria.
He highlighted specific goals, such as ensuring that children in Kafanchan have access to light for their education, enabling small and micro businesses in Baruten to extend their operating hours and increase profitability, and improving healthcare services in local health centers in Ohafia to reduce maternal mortality rates.
d.light’s participation in the DARES programme aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives. The initiative aims to replace over 280,000 polluting and costly petrol and diesel generator sets with clean, renewable energy sources, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
The programme will focus on deploying solar mini-grids and standalone solar systems throughout Nigeria, while also providing technical assistance to partner organizations. This comprehensive effort is expected to positively impact over 230,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises and facilitate the installation of 1,225 mini-grids. In total, the initiative aims to distribute 465 megawatts of energy, providing electricity to approximately 3.2 million households.
d.light’s involvement in the DARES programme will enable the company to leverage its extensive experience in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges. Operating across Africa and India, d.light has positively impacted the lives of 24 million people in 2024 alone.
The company has also seen remarkable financial growth, achieving its highest-ever quarterly revenue and profits in Q2 2024. Furthermore, d.light reported a 70% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 2024, marking the most profitable three quarters in the company’s 17-year history.
Karl Skare, Chief Product & Strategy Officer of d.light, expressed pride in the company’s financial improvements, stating;
We are proud that the enhancements we’ve made to our business have allowed d.light to become operating cash flow positive in 2024. However, what excites us most is the profound impact our products continue to have on our customers’ lives. In 2024, d.light transformed the lives of 24 million people and surpassed 190 million cumulative lives impacted. This brings us even closer to our goal of transforming one billion lives by 2030.
Through its participation in the DARES programme and its ongoing commitment to sustainable energy solutions, d.light is poised to make a significant contribution to improving energy access and fostering economic growth in Nigeria.
