Voice of Energy Leaders: Ernest Akinlola

We sat down with Ernest Akinlola, the dynamic Managing Director of Bboxx Nigeria, a game-changing player in Africa’s decentralized energy landscape. Since launching in 2021, Bboxx Nigeria has made waves, delivering over 50,000 solar systems to communities across the nation, transforming the lives of more than 100,000 households.

With a bold vision to bridge Nigeria’s gaping energy access gap—where an estimated 90 million people remain without electricity—Ernest shares candid insights on scaling clean energy solutions, navigating policy complexities, and pioneering innovative services like co-branded shops and insurance bundles.

Briefly introduce your company (origin, footprint, focus).

Ernest Akinlola: Bboxx Nigeria was established in 2021 as the newest addition to the Bboxx franchise, which already has a presence in Rwanda, DRC, Kenya, and Togo. With Nigeria’s large population and significant electrification gap—where about 90 million people lack access to electricity—our mission is to address this challenge. Since its launch, we have installed over 50,000 solar home systems, positively impacting more than 100,000 households.

Share your company’s biggest achievement in the past 12 months.

Ernest Akinlola: Over the last 4 years, Bboxx Nigeria has achieved stellar growth. We launched shops and a retail channel partnership with MTN allowing customers to recharge MoMo, data, and airtime while earning commissions from mobile services and offering insurance bundled with our solar products. This integrated approach has expanded our reach and strengthened our value proposition in the market.

This will be propelled even further through our participation in the World Bank’s DARES Program. This $300 million initiative is the largest public electrification fund globally and has enabled us to scale our solar systems offering across Nigeria. Through this program, we will install over 100,000 systems, providing affordable and reliable electricity to underserved communities.

Key milestones you aim to achieve in the next 24 months.

Ernest Akinlola: Over the next two years, Bboxx Nigeria plans to install 100,000 new solar systems, expanding our presence to all 36 states of the country. This expansion aims to tackle the challenge of electricity affordability and bring power to communities that have never had reliable energy access. Beyond providing electricity, our focus is on enabling social mobility—giving families the opportunity to educate their children, access information, and improve their quality of life.

Major industry challenges from your perspective.

Ernest Akinlola: Our sector faces four main challenges. First, Nigeria’s vast and difficult topography makes reaching remote communities, especially during the rainy season, a logistical challenge. Second, there’s a critical shortage of skilled talent for solar installations, which affects service quality. Third, while supportive policies like the World Bank DARES program have helped, inconsistent government policies and shifting regulations have disrupted growth. Finally, Nigeria’s fragmented financial systems—marked by limited mobile payment adoption and unreliable infrastructure—make it difficult for customers to make timely payments, affecting revenue collection and business sustainability.

Thoughts on governance improvements to accelerate energy access.

Ernest Akinlola: To accelerate energy access in Nigeria, governance must focus on sustainability. Programs like DARES should extend beyond two or three years—ideally lasting a decade—to have a lasting impact on the 90 million people lacking electricity. There’s also a need for competitive VAT rates on imported solar equipment and stronger incentives for local manufacturing. Importantly, Nigeria’s electrification strategy should be multifaceted, combining national grid expansion with off-grid renewable solutions like solar, hydro, biomass, and wind to reach all communities.

Biggest threats and opportunities in the energy sector

Ernest Akinlola: The biggest threat in the energy sector is the dominance of a few key players who, thanks to their financial strength and first-mover advantage, have rapidly scaled and consolidated market share. While this isn’t inherently anti-competitive, it limits opportunities for smaller players to compete and grow, potentially reducing customer choice and innovation.

On the opportunity side, the potential for social impact is profound. With 90 million Nigerians lacking electricity, the scope to transform lives through reliable, affordable energy solutions is immense. Every installation represents a tangible shift in quality of life, education, and economic potential for underserved communities.

I’ve spent 25 years in the telecommunications sector, having worked with major companies like Etisalat, T-Mobile, and Lycamobile, selling millions of SIM cards. However, the moment that truly changed my perspective was when I saw the impact of solar energy firsthand. I’ll never forget installing a solar system for an 89-year-old woman in Ibadan, who had relied on a Zimmer frame. When she saw the solar light and realized she wouldn’t need a generator, she stood tall for the first time. That moment highlighted the immense social impact of bringing electricity to underserved communities.

A little about your personal background and journey into the sector.

Ernest Akinlola: I have a background in telecommunications, where I spent over two decades launching and scaling businesses in emerging markets, including the first Virgin Mobile MVNO. I’ve always been drawn to pioneering ventures in nascent industries. In 2020, I was approached to help establish Bboxx Nigeria as a consultant. Initially, I was tasked with setting up the business and recruiting a Managing Director. However, after building the foundation and recruiting the initial team, I realized I was deeply invested in the company’s success. Ultimately, I accepted the role of Managing Director myself, driven by the challenge of bringing solar solutions to an underserved market.

What do you enjoy most and find most challenging about your role?

Ernest Akinlola: What I enjoy most is working with people—motivating my team, supporting their growth, and helping them reach new personal and professional heights. I thrive on making a tangible impact and seeing the positive changes we bring to communities.

The most challenging aspect is navigating the complex and ever-changing business environment. However, with experience, I’ve developed strategies to turn challenges into opportunities. Whether it’s addressing funding gaps or operational hurdles, I view obstacles as catalysts for innovation and growth.

That's just how I view the world. I always tell my children that being successful is simple. It's really simple. It's just that you have to want it. Then, you need to be diligent and persistent about achieving your goal. That's it. And you'll get there.