By BEN Television Business Desk

Awka, the Anambra State capital, hosted a significant gathering of industry leaders and energy stakeholders as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) convened a special symposium on Power Sector Solutions and Investment, aimed at accelerating access to affordable and reliable electricity for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

The event featured Mr. Green Quan, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Group, alongside representatives of Para Energy, MPower, Keystone Bank, Zobis Engineering, Cutix Plc and other strategic partners, all united by a common goal of reducing the energy burden on manufacturers through innovative solar power solutions. The Anambra State and Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, was represented by Hon. Christian Udechukwu his Special Adviser on Investments.

The programme showcased Huawei’s renewable energy technologies and highlighted a financing model driven by MPower in partnership with the Manufacturers Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL), a subsidiary of MAN established to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions that improve manufacturers’ productivity and competitiveness.

Founded in 1971, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria is the country’s foremost industrial advocacy organisation, representing manufacturers while promoting policies that strengthen local production, industrialisation and economic growth. Through MPDCL, MAN has expanded its role beyond advocacy by developing practical solutions to one of the sector’s biggest challenges—energy security.

President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshoye, Chairman of MAN Southeast, and Lady Dr Ada Chukwudozie, CEO of MPDCL

The choice of Anambra State for the symposium is equally strategic. Home to the renowned industrial and commercial clusters of Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka and Nkpor, Anambra has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturing and entrepreneurial hubs. Recent reforms by the state government have focused on improving the business environment, supporting industrial growth and encouraging investment in modern energy infrastructure.

For manufacturers, access to affordable solar power could significantly lower production costs, reduce dependence on diesel generation, improve competitiveness and create a more sustainable industrial ecosystem. For Nigeria, wider adoption of renewable energy in manufacturing offers the prospect of stronger industrial output, increased exports, job creation and accelerated economic diversification.

The Awka symposium therefore represents more than an energy conference. It signals a growing partnership between technology providers, financial institutions and industry leaders to power Nigeria’s manufacturing future through cleaner, more affordable and sustainable energy solutions.