NTA-StarTimes Partners with REA to Expand Energy Access in Nigeria

NTA-StarTimes and its sister company, StarTimes Solar, have proudly joined forces with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project to drive energy transformation in Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.

As one of eight private sector companies selected under the Standalone Solar Systems (SAS) component, NTA-StarTimes will deploy tier 1 and tier 2 plug-and-play solar solutions to households and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This initiative aligns with NTA-StarTimes’ mission to harness innovative technology for the betterment of lives across Nigeria.

The DARES project, a $750 million initiative officially launched in 2024, aims to empower state governments, foster private sector collaboration, and scale renewable energy technologies to reach over 17.5 million Nigerians in the quest to provide sustainable, renewable energy options.

With support from the World Bank, the project underpins Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals where the unserved and underserved get access to renewable energy sources to power their spaces, and the World Bank’s Mission300 agenda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO of REA, highlighted the critical role of the private sector in expanding energy access:
“Today’s signing is not just a contract — it is a commitment to communities long underserved by conventional infrastructure. Through DARES, we are enabling private sector leadership in bringing life-changing energy solutions to the heart of Nigeria.”

According to the CEO of NTA-StarTimes, Joshua Wang; “We are committed to reaching every unserved and underserved Nigerian with quick setup and long-lasting products to make lives easier for them. This project is also coming at the right time, when Nigeria is seeking to expand energy access across and most especially, to the rural communities.”

The initiative further underscores REA’s dedication to fostering inclusive development by unlocking economic opportunities and improving the quality of life in rural areas.
Mr. Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (HNEP), emphasized the broader societal impact of DARES:

“Every connection made under DARES is more than a number — it is a doorway to education, healthcare, commerce, and inclusion. Partnerships like these are the blueprint for achieving our national energy access goals.”

NTA-StarTimes’ participation in this transformative project reflects its unwavering commitment to improving lives and advancing sustainable development through innovative energy solutions.

The company is honoured to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s energy future and contributing to a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.