Abstract

Rural poverty paired with energy poverty pose a great humanitarian and environmental challenge to developing African states, as a substantial portion of the continent's population still lacks access to modern and reliable energy services which perpetuates and locks in the cycle of poverty. Low electrification rates and inadequate power generation capacity cause frequent blackouts that disrupt economic activities, productivity, and daily life for millions. All this leaves many marginalized communities with limited or no access to electricity, perpetuating inequality and hindering socioeconomic development. This research paper delves into the transformative potential of solar energy, positing that it can play a pivotal role in alleviating poverty across the African continent. From the successes of the Solar Nano-Grid Projects in Kenya, the method of instituting localized solar energy in rural villages can be applied to other states and help propel development, economic prosperity, and sustainability. This paper will first state the research methods used and include a literature review, then explain energy poverty in Africa and detail Nigeria’s capabilities. Next I will delve into Solar Nano-Grid Projects in Kenya and explain their socioeconomic and environmental benefits as well as challenges. Then I explain that this can be applied to similarly impoverished and rural communities in other states.