Nigeria's green revolution is gaining serious momentum, and it's all thanks to some incredibly innovative startups! The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria recently held its 2025 National Forum and Award Ceremony at the Providence Hotel in Lagos, celebrating the country's rising stars in the cleantech sector.
Allgreen Ivy Limited, a female-led enterprise, stole the show with their ingenious biodegradable sanitary pads made from agricultural waste. They were crowned the national winner, taking home a total of $15,000 – $10,000 for the overall win and an extra $5,000 as the Best Female-Led Startup. This is a huge win for sustainable feminine hygiene!
One Grid Energies secured the First Runner-Up position and also snagged the Best Climate Mitigation Startup award, earning a combined $12,500. Rekool Access Technology came in as the Second Runner-Up, receiving $5,000.
Akinwande Akinsulire, Head of the Startup Support Division at Co-Creation Hub Africa (CcHUB), shed some light on the program's origins. He explained that the initiative is backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It's implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and CcHUB.
"Over the last three years, we've supported 25 entrepreneurs annually," Akinsulire shared. "After a year-long acceleration program, we hold this national competition to recognize and reward the most outstanding startups. Today, we're not only celebrating the winners but also the ecosystem of partners from government agencies to private sector collaborators who have worked with us to grow the cleantech sector in Nigeria."
The GCIP Nigeria aims to boost the cleantech sector through technical training, mentorship, and business model refinement. Impressively, the 2025 edition saw nearly 300 applications, with 25 startups selected for the year-long acceleration program.
Amin Lukeman, Project Manager of GCIP Nigeria at the REA, highlighted the program's comprehensive approach to advancing Nigeria's clean energy transition. "The world is moving towards net-zero emissions, and cleantech is the future," he stated. "Our role at REA is to design financial mechanisms that help these enterprises scale up their technologies. We want to replace generators and other carbon-emitting systems with cleaner, sustainable alternatives."
Lukeman also mentioned that the program continues to attract interest from development partners and government agencies eager to support cleantech innovations across various sectors.
But here's where it gets controversial... The transition to clean energy isn't always smooth. There are debates about the best technologies to invest in, the speed of adoption, and the impact on existing industries.
Dr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer at UNIDO Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development. He noted that UNIDO operates in 173 countries, with a mission in Nigeria to enhance the capacity of small and medium enterprises working in renewable and sustainable energy.
Mrs. N.A. Esuabana, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, described the GCIP as a landmark achievement in Nigeria's pursuit of a sustainable, technology-driven future. She emphasized the power of partnerships and the ministry's commitment to supporting clean technologies and empowering women innovators.
Mrs. Lydia Ekpong Thompson, CEO of Allgreen Ivy Limited, shared that the funding would enable the company to automate production and reduce costs. Currently producing around 250 sanitary pads daily, automation will allow them to increase production to at least 3,500 pads per day. Thompson also emphasized that their biodegradable sanitary pads, made from banana fiber and other agricultural by-products, are designed to promote women's health while protecting the environment.
And this is the part most people miss... The success of these startups isn't just about the technology; it's about the entire ecosystem of support. From government agencies to private sector collaborators, everyone plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving change.
What do you think? Are you optimistic about Nigeria's cleantech future? What are the biggest challenges these startups face, and how can they be overcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
