StarTimes Smart Solar Champions Affordable Renewable Energy for Nigerian MSMEs at Ikeja Sensitization Event

In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward clean and cost-efficient energy, StarTimes Smart Solar, in partnership with MPDCL and Sterling Bank (Imperium), convened industry leaders, manufacturers, and small business owners at the Energy Sensitization for MSMEs/SMEs event on November 6, 2025, at BON Hotel, Ikeja.

The three-hour engagement, themed around “Empowering MSMEs through Sustainable Energy,” aimed to drive adoption of solar solutions among local enterprises struggling under the burden of rising energy costs.

Opening the session, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, Board Chairman of MPDCL, set the tone with a heartfelt address on the urgency of alternative energy sources for Nigerian industries. Drawing from his personal experience using solar systems, he emphasized how renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative but a cost-saving lifeline.

“For many MSMEs, energy represents nearly half of their production cost. Solar offers a sustainable path to survival and growth,” he said.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Eric Xiao, Vice President of StarTimes Nigeria, outlined the company’s pioneering strides in renewable energy.

He highlighted StarTimes Smart Solar’s growing footprint, including two completed mini-grid projects in Northern Nigeria and 22 ongoing installations nationwide, signaling the company’s commitment to powering underserved industries.

“Our vision is simple, to make solar energy accessible, affordable, and reliable for every Nigerian business,” Eric stated. “Through our partnership with Imperium of Sterling Bank, we’re eliminating financial barriers so that MSMEs can focus on what matters most, productivity and growth.”
The event demonstrated StarTimes’ evolution beyond entertainment into the broader ecosystem of sustainable technology, reinforcing its image as a pioneering brand bridging innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Mr. Oweh Mba-Sam, Acting Managing Director of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), commended the collaboration, noting that surviving manufacturers in Nigeria have shown resilience despite erratic power supply and rising diesel costs.

He reaffirmed MAN’s readiness to facilitate structured engagements between its members and StarTimes Smart Solar to ensure every adoption is profitable and transparent.

“The MAN Secretariat will manage all engagements with interested members to ensure proper auditing and feasibility checks. Our goal is to protect our members’ interests while unlocking sustainable energy access,” he said.
From the financial perspective, Kelly Aigbedion, Head of Business Development (Renewable Energy) at Sterling Bank, introduced innovative financing models under the Imperium Solar Scheme, which allows MSMEs to acquire solar installations without collateral.

He revealed that Sterling Bank’s own headquarters operates 80–90% on solar power, showcasing confidence in the technology.

The facility requires only CAC documents, one-year account statements, and transaction records, with interest rates ranging between 15–30%, depending on the loan size.

Engr Rotimi Olorunfemi, Assistant Director for Commercial & Industrial Projects at StarTimes, delivered a technical deep dive into solar performance, highlighting that energy expenses account for approximately 40% of industry overheads.

He announced a 5% discount for SMEs who register interest within one month of the event.

Product partners Dyness and Solis also showcased their advanced solar technologies, reaffirming confidence in StarTimes’ leadership as a trusted integrator.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A, where participants sought clarifications on installation timelines, maintenance procedures, and financing terms, all addressed comprehensively by the panelists.

The event’s collaborative strength underscored how strategic partnerships can power national transformation. By uniting StarTimes Smart Solar’s technology, Sterling Bank’s financing, and MAN’s industrial network, the initiative creates a model for inclusive energy transition that directly benefits grassroots businesses.

Quoting Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose recent remarks on renewable energy investment have resonated nationwide:
“Nigeria’s energy transition under President Tinubu could unlock over $410 billion by 2060, positioning the nation as Africa’s green powerhouse.”

StarTimes’ initiative mirrors this vision, demonstrating how private-sector innovation can complement government policy to accelerate national progress.
Echoing that sentiment, Eric Xiao, Vice President of StarTimes Nigeria, concluded,
“This is more than just an energy conversation; it’s about enabling prosperity. When MSMEs thrive on clean, affordable power, the entire economy wins.”

With over 65 participants, including representatives from MAN, Sterling Bank, Dyness, Solis, and several MSME operators, the Ikeja sensitization marked a milestone in StarTimes’ nationwide energy empowerment campaign.

Participants left the session with product samples, branded gifts, and a renewed sense of optimism about solar adoption’s role in driving operational efficiency and competitiveness.
As Nigeria’s industries continue to grapple with unreliable grid power and soaring fuel prices, StarTimes Smart Solar is positioning itself as the partner of choice for enterprises seeking energy independence, sustainability, and profitability.