Renewable energy leaders descended on Lagos for All On Partnerships for Energy Access's 10th anniversary dinner, bringing together influential voices from government, finance, business and academia. The gathering marked a decade of catalytic investment aimed at closing Nigeria's energy access gap.
All On, an independent impact investing company originally seeded by Shell, channels debt and equity funding to Nigerian energy firms focused on off-grid solutions. The organisation supports renewable energy companies serving low-income households and small businesses across the country.
During the fireside chat, participants explored how partnerships and long-term investment can accelerate universal energy access for millions more Nigerians. The evening balanced celebration of past achievements with forward-looking strategy for the sector's future.
Over its first decade, All On has helped build businesses, strengthen markets and expand access to clean, reliable and affordable energy through collaboration. The organisation now reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising capital, strengthening businesses and fostering innovation to deepen energy access nationwide.
Lagos state commissioner for energy and mineral resources, Biodun Ogunleye, represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event. He praised All On as an important contributor to Nigeria's renewable energy ecosystem.
Ogunleye noted that All On had proven underserved communities aren't beyond the reach of sustainable investment. He reaffirmed Lagos state's commitment to creating an enabling policy environment that encourages innovation, investment and private sector participation in the electricity market.
Caroline Eboumbou, All On's chief executive officer, reflected on the organisation's transformation from ambitious vision to one of Nigeria's leading impact investors. She acknowledged the founding visionary and former board chairman Osagie Okunbor, alongside the board of directors, investees, partners, government institutions and communities whose efforts shaped the past decade.
Eboumbou told the gathering that capital alone wasn't enough to expand energy access. "We realised very quickly that we needed to be more than just an investor," she said.
According to her, building the market required combining catalytic capital with technical assistance, venture support, ecosystem development and strategic partnerships. "That is how lasting impact is created," Eboumbou added.
All On's work has reached nearly two million lives across Nigeria. The results demonstrate what's possible when patient capital combines with innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term collaboration across the renewable energy sector.
