To mark the close of the third cohort of the GCIP Nigeria program, the GCIP Nigeria National Forum and Award Ceremony 2025 was held in Lagos, Nigeria on the 31st of October, 2025.
The event convened government representatives from the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the National Board of Technology and Innovation (NBTI), the National Association of Small and Medium-Size Entrepreneurs (NASME), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), and the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). Key private sector stakeholders, cleantech entrepreneurs from across the country, and members of the media were also in attendance.
The GCIP Nigeria National Forum and Award Ceremony served as a convergence point for leaders across the Nigerian cleantech innovation ecosystem. Policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts gathered to engage in conversations on climate resilience, sustainable energy solutions, and the future of green entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
One of the central discussions took place during the female-focused panel session titled Fueling the Future of Nigerian Cleantech. The conversation explored what is working, what comes next, how the ecosystem can scale collectively, and how to increase women’s participation in the sector.
The four-person panel was moderated by Samuel Elensi, Program Manager at CcHUB and National Coordinator for GCIP Nigeria. Panelists included Akinwande Akinsulire, Head of Startup Support at Co-creation HUB; Engr. Eme Effiong, Director of the Rural Electrification Fund; and Lydia Ekpong Thompson, GCIP Nigeria Alumni and CEO of AllGreenIvy Limited.
A key insight from the session was shared by Engr. Effiong, who highlighted the REA’s efforts to build up a pipeline of skilled women in cleantech. She noted that in every university where a mini-grid is installed, the REA trains twenty female students to manage and maintain the installation.
During the event, Abba Aliu, Managing Director of the REA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing clean technology, innovation, and energy access in Nigeria. He underscored REA’s role in implementing the GCIP in collaboration with the Federal Ministry, UNIDO, and Co-creation HUB.
Aliu explained that the first call for applications supported a strong cohort of clean technology enterprises, and that the first tranche of grant disbursements has already been made. He encouraged innovators to prepare for the upcoming second call and stay connected through REA’s official channels for updates. He expressed his gratitude to all partners and entrepreneurs contributing to the initiative’s success, and congratulated the awardees leading the charge for a more sustainable future.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Medinat Ayanda emphasized the importance of the forum as a key milestone on Nigeria’s path toward a sustainable, innovation-led future. She acknowledged UNIDO, GEF, the REA, and CcHUB for their shared commitment and underscored the Ministry’s dedication to building a vibrant cleantech ecosystem.
Ayanda remarked that since 2022, GCIP Nigeria has supported more than fifty innovators. She noted that the third cohort has just completed rigorous mentoring and training in areas such as e-mobility, waste beneficiation, clean cooking, and renewable energy. She highlighted the role of GCIP in helping early-stage ventures navigate the “valley of death” by providing business acceleration support and capital connections.
She celebrated the finalists and award winners, particularly recognizing the strong presence of women-led startups, and called on all innovators to view this moment as the beginning of a long journey. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to expand GCIP’s reach across all regions of Nigeria and deepen its impact.
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the National Winners, chosen by an independent panel of judges following a national competition held earlier in the year.
- National Winner: Lydia Ekpong Thompson, CEO of AllGreenIvy Limited — $10,000
- First Runner-up: Valentine Nnnamani, CEO of Onegrid Energies — $7,500
- Second Runner-up: Ayisat Adama Adamu, CEO of Rekool Access Technology — $5,000
In addition, Lydia Ekpong Thompson won the Best Female-led Startup award ($5,000), and Valentine Nnnamani also clinched the Best Climate Mitigation award ($5,000) for his innovation.
Lydia Ekpong Thompson was honoured for her biodegradable and reusable menstrual pads made from agricultural waste, a solution that tackles both period poverty and environmental sustainability. Valentine Nnnamani was recognised for his effort in recycling plastic waste and old laptop batteries into torchlights, providing clean energy access to underserved communities.
Ayisat Adama Adamu was celebrated for her pioneering work with Rekool Access Technologies, which provides renewable, solar-powered cold storage systems helping to preserve vaccines, food produce, and other perishables in off-grid and underserved areas.
The night captured the achievements of GCIP Nigeria and the broader Nigerian cleantech ecosystem, showcasing groundbreaking innovations from entrepreneurs and strengthening collaborations that will accelerate commercialization of sustainable technologies across the country.