StarTimes Smart Solar drives MSME adoption of clean energy in Lagos

In a bid 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, in Lagos.

The three-hour session, themed “Empowering MSMEs through Sustainable Energy,” aimed to encourage local enterprises to adopt solar solutions amid rising energy costs.

Opening the event, Ibrahim Usman, Board Chairman of MPDCL, emphasised the urgency of alternative energy solutions for Nigerian industries. Drawing from his personal experience with solar systems, he highlighted both environmental and financial benefits.

“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 address, Eric Xiao, Vice President of StarTimes Nigeria, outlined the company’s strides in renewable energy, noting its growing footprint, including two completed mini-grid projects in Northern Nigeria and 22 ongoing installations nationwide.

“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 underscored StarTimes’ evolution from entertainment into the broader sustainable technology ecosystem, reinforcing its reputation as a brand bridging innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Mr. Oweh Mba-Sam, Acting Managing Director of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), praised the initiative, highlighting manufacturers’ resilience amid erratic power supply and rising diesel costs.

“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, reaffirming MAN’s commitment to structured collaborations with StarTimes Smart Solar.

From the financing perspective, Kelly Aigbedion, Head of Business Development (Renewable Energy) at Sterling Bank, introduced innovative financing models under the Imperium Solar Scheme, enabling MSMEs to acquire solar installations without collateral.

She revealed that Sterling Bank’s headquarters already runs on 80–90% solar power, demonstrating 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 loan size.

Engr. Rotimi Olorunfemi, Assistant Director for Commercial & Industrial Projects at StarTimes, provided a technical overview, noting that energy costs account for approximately 40% of industrial overheads.

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He announced a 5% discount for SMEs registering interest within one month of the event. Product partners Dyness and Solis also showcased their advanced solar technologies, reinforcing StarTimes’ credibility as a trusted integrator.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where participants sought clarifications on installation timelines, maintenance, and financing, all addressed by the panelists.

Highlighting the national context, Vice President Kashim Shettima noted, “Nigeria’s energy transition under President Tinubu could unlock over $410 billion by 2060, positioning the nation as Africa’s green powerhouse.”

Echoing that vision, Eric Xiao said, “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 sensitisation marked a milestone in StarTimes’ nationwide campaign to empower businesses with renewable energy.

Attendees left with product samples, branded gifts, and renewed optimism about solar adoption’s role in improving operational efficiency and competitiveness.