Kano Collaborates With Morocco To Boost Solar Power Generation

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Government Light-Up initiative has received a boost from Moroccan institution, to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar power within the next five years.

This is one of the fallouts of a visit by officials from Kano State, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the Kingdom of Morocco to explore potential collaborations in agriculture and renewable energy.

Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, in a statement, explained that the delegation, during the visit, secured Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key Moroccan institutions which focus on clean energy, agribusiness, and trade.

“During the trip, the delegation held meetings with the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), and OCP Africa, among others.

“A major highlight of the visit was a proposed partnership with MASEN, the agency behind Morocco’s 500-megawatt solar plant in Ouarzazate.

“The collaboration is expected to support Kano’s Light-Up Kano Initiative, which aims to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar power within the next five years.

“MASEN has pledged to share its expertise, lessons learned, and offer technical support for Kano’s Light-Up Kano Initiative.”

The statement further explained that the collaboration would also focus on “investor identification, financing models, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies for energy storage and efficient distribution, particularly targeting the industrial sector.”

In another session, the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce expressed interest in investing in Kano’s renewable energy and solid minerals sectors, with potential investments projected at $10 billion over the next five years.

“On the agricultural front, the team met with OCP Africa, a major player in fertilizer production.

“Discussions centered on building fertilizer blending plants in Kano, strengthening supply chains, and introducing modern farming technologies for small holder farmers.

“OCP welcomed the partnership, proposing new agricultural development projects that include support for small holder farmers through modern farming technologies.

“Governor Yusuf’s administration described the visit as “a major milestone in the state’s pursuit of global partnerships to fast-track industrial growth, clean energy transition, and sustainable agricultural development.”