UBA partners Renewvia Solar Nigeria and Empower New Energy to deploy renewable energy across 25 branches in Nigeria, cutting over 89,000 kg of CO₂ monthly and strengthening Nigeria–Norway economic ties
UBA Partners Renewvia, Empower New Energy to Power 25 Branches with Solar — A Major Leap for Nigeria–Norway Green Collaboration
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has partnered with Renewvia Solar Nigeria to deploy renewable energy solutions across 25 UBA branches in five Nigerian states — marking a new phase in Nigeria–Norway clean energy collaboration.
The landmark partnership was officially launched at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at UBA’s Oba Akran 2 Branch, Ikeja, Lagos, and attended by the Nordic Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra. The event featured a detailed walkthrough of the bank’s new inverter and battery facilities, led by the Renewvia team.
This initiative directly echoes the vision articulated by UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, during the recent Norway–Africa Business Summit in Oslo, where he urged investors to see Africa “not as an aid destination, but as a continent of opportunity and enterprise.”
“Africa needs partners, not charity,” Elumelu declared, emphasizing the importance of collaboration built on mutual respect, entrepreneurship, and sustainable investment.
The UBA–Renewvia partnership is a practical manifestation of that call — merging Nordic investment and African innovation to deliver impactful, long-term change. Supported by Empower New Energy, a Norway-based renewable investment firm, and Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), the project’s first phase will supply 152,000 kWh of clean energy monthly, slashing UBA’s carbon footprint by more than 89,000 kilograms of CO₂ each month.
Under a 10-year Power-as-a-Service (PaaS) agreement, Renewvia will install advanced solar and battery hybrid systems across UBA branches to ensure uninterrupted power, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. Upon completion, the project will span 50 branches across 18 Nigerian states, providing 3 MWp of solar capacity and 7 MWh of energy storage.
Speaking at the event, UBA Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, highlighted the bank’s commitment to sustainability:
“At UBA, we believe sustainability is not just a responsibility but a key part of building Africa’s future. This project demonstrates how innovation and partnership can deliver lasting impact, reduce our carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner environment,” he said. “We are proud to work with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, Incremental Energy Solutions, and Empower New Energy to make this vision a reality.”
Renewvia Solar Nigeria’s Managing Director, Adebowale Dosunmu, described the partnership as a major milestone:
“This collaboration with UBA represents a major step in our mission to provide reliable, clean energy to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria. We are proud to support UBA’s leadership in sustainability and operational excellence.”
Also speaking, Oladipupo Omodara, CEO of Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), lauded UBA’s proactive leadership:
“We appreciate the UBA management’s cooperation and vision that made this project possible. This success reinforces our commitment to helping Africa claim its rightful place in global energy investment and technology deployment.”
For Empower New Energy, which financed the project, the collaboration highlights the strength of Nordic-African partnership. CEO Terje Osmundsen remarked:
“We are proud to finance this landmark project with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, supporting UBA’s drive toward cleaner, more reliable energy. It reflects our mission to help African businesses access sustainable power through innovative financing.”
In his goodwill message, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra, hailed the project as a model for cross-continental partnership:
“This collaboration is a shining example of what can be achieved when African ambition meets Nordic innovation. It represents not just an energy milestone, but a strong statement of shared commitment to sustainable growth and climate responsibility.”
This partnership cements UBA’s status as a pioneer in green banking, integrating renewable energy to power its operations and cut emissions while setting a benchmark for sustainability in Africa’s financial sector.
It also aligns perfectly with Tony Elumelu’s broader vision of transforming Africa through entrepreneurship, private-sector leadership, and global alliances — building capacity, creating jobs, and unlocking long-term value for both Africa and its international partners. Read More
