The ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with Nigeria’s Standards Organization (SON) and the Federal Ministry of Energy, convened a two-day workshop in Abuja to advance the enforcement of harmonized regional standards for off-grid solar photovoltaic systems.
Held from April 14–15, 2025, the event trained over 25 Nigerian experts on implementing the ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020 and ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018 standards, aimed at regulating solar home systems up to 350 watts.
The workshop, organized under the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), focused on equipping national authorities and stakeholders—including representatives from SON, the Rural Electrification Agency, customs offices, and consumer organizations—with the technical knowledge to enforce quality benchmarks. These standards, adopted by ECOWAS ministers in July 2023, aim to streamline the integration of renewable energy systems in rural electrification and eliminate substandard solar products from regional markets.
ROGEAP, funded by the World Bank, Clean Technology Fund, and the Netherlands’ Directorate General for International Cooperation, has supported eight ECOWAS member states in adopting the framework. The Nigeria session emphasized capacity building for experts to lead public awareness campaigns and monitor compliance, ensuring consumers gain access to reliable, efficient solar technologies.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to bolster energy access in West Africa, where off-grid solar systems are critical for electrifying remote communities. Poor-quality solar products, which undermine consumer trust and hinder sustainable energy goals, remain a persistent challenge. By harmonizing standards, ECOWAS seeks to foster cross-border trade, reduce e-waste, and enhance the durability of solar solutions amid rising demand.
Nigeria’s participation underscores its role as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption. With over 85 million Nigerians lacking grid access, robust standards could accelerate decentralized solar investments while safeguarding households and businesses from technical failures. The workshop also highlights growing collaboration between governments, regulatory bodies, and international partners to align policy with climate resilience targets. As ECOWAS advances its 2030 renewable energy roadmap, such technical trainings may serve as a model for scaling quality assurance mechanisms continent-wide.
