In a bold move towards sustainability, Empower New Energy, an Africa-focused solar developer and impact investor, has announced a debt financing deal that will allow the company to install at least 26 commercial-scale rooftop solar and battery storage plants across Nigeria.
The financing, backed by the Afrigreen Debt Impact Fund—managed by Rgreen Invest and advised by Echosys Invest—will power Justrite Superstores, a leading Nigerian retail chain. Empower will deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays that are expected to generate over 8,000 MWh of electricity annually, fueling Justrite’s operations.
A Step Toward Greener Retail
The new funding will see the installation of rooftop solar systems and battery storage solutions at Justrite Superstores, with some facilities already built in collaboration with local partner Powercell.
Currently, Justrite operates 30 stores across southwestern Nigeria, and once the entire project is complete, the solar plants will not only supply energy but also reduce carbon emissions by around 4,000 tonnes per year—a significant step toward sustainability in the retail sector.
Economic and Environmental Wins
According to Olivier Leruste, Managing Partner at Echosys Invest, the collaboration between Empower and Justrite highlights the dual benefits of integrating solar energy with battery storage—both economic and environmental.
“This project is a prime example of how solar energy, paired with battery storage, can bring transformative benefits to Nigerian businesses, reducing operating costs while mitigating environmental impact,” said Leruste.
Impact and Future Prospects
As the partnership progresses, Empower’s efforts will not only improve Justrite’s energy efficiency but also contribute to Nigeria’s clean energy goals. This collaboration reinforces the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria’s commercial sector, especially amidst the ongoing push for renewable energy across Africa.
