EnDev invites Expressions of Interest from Solar Companies in Niger

For more than 15 years, the global program “Energizing Development (EnDev)” within GIZ has promoted sustainable access to modern energy services for households, social institutions and small and medium-sized businesses in more than 21 countries. Africa, Asia and Latin America. EnDev promotes a market-driven approach, building private and public sector capacity as well as aiming to improve perception and increase knowledge on the benefit of access to modern and sustainable energy technologies.

In July 2023, EnDev launched its activities in Niger with three areas of intervention: promotion of clean cooking energy, promotion of productive use of energy and promotion of off-grid solar electricity, including establishment of a subsidy mechanism (DSS) to facilitate access to electricity for vulnerable households in the regions of Tahoua and Maradi. The market for off-grid solar products in Niger is still classified as nascent. The channels and distribution chain in the regions are not developed and limited to the capital Niamey. Only around ten companies market quality certified solar products. To this end, the off-grid solar products market is dominated by products with lower quality and short lifespan. The influx of these products has a negative impact on end-user confidence in solar products.

Objectives

• With the aim of transforming the off-grid solar market to ensure popularization and marketing of quality solar products that are economically and technically viable, EnDev Niger aims to strengthen the commercial capacities of solar companies by preparing companies to participate in large imminent public markets such as for the DSS component of the EnDev Niger program or for other similar programs; increase the number of solar companies marketing quality solar products; strengthen the distribution chain up to the last mile; facilitate connections between international manufacturers of quality certified solar products and local solar companies; improve perception and increase knowledge of quality solar products among the population.
• Call for expression of interest: This notice for expression of interest aims to constitute a database of companies or companies present in Niamey, Maradi and Tahoua, with demonstrated experience in the marketing of off-grid solar systems that can meet the needs of required conditions. By responding to this notice for expressions of interest, companies express their interest in benefiting from individual support.

Form of support

To promote the development of a sustainable and self-sustaining market, EnDev will provide services, as follows:

• Training and individual coaching on commercial aspects
• Facilitate contact with international manufacturers of quality solar products
• Contribute to the expansion of the distribution chain in regions
• Identification and training of sales agents last mile
• Identification and training of technicians on the installation and maintenance of solar systems to support long-term after-sales service
• Carrying out awareness campaigns at national and local level
• Preparing solar companies for the public procurement participation imminent

Eligibility

• This call for expressions of interest is free. It is only aimed at Nigerian companies or businesses specializing in the field of off-grid solar energy and having administrative documents that can demonstrate the regularity of their activities (certified experience, human and material resources, adequate work space).

For more information, visit EnDev.