Chinenye Ajayi bridges law, energy, and leadership to advance sustainable power solutions in Nigeria.
Chinenye Ajayi has established herself as a notable figure within Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure legal landscape. Raised in Kano State, her professional journey gained momentum at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Nigeria’s prominent commercial law firms. Initially joining as a Senior Associate, she later rose to the position of Managing Associate and Team Lead for the Power and Infrastructure Practice.
In this capacity, Ajayi has advised on a range of transactions, particularly in the renewable energy and natural gas sectors. Her work includes drafting Power Purchase Agreements, navigating regulatory frameworks, and structuring funding for infrastructure projects. Notable among her contributions are her roles in independent power projects, including a 5MW plant in Lagos and rural electrification initiatives in Ondo State.
One of her more high-profile assignments involved the structuring of a cross-border equipment finance lease valued at over $900,000. The transaction brought together a United States-based company and a Nigerian oil firm, highlighting Ajayi’s ability to manage cross-jurisdictional legal and commercial issues. Her advisory work frequently requires engagement with regulators and policymakers, and she has participated in discussions aimed at reforming electricity licensing procedures and enhancing investor confidence.
Ajayi’s professional recognition includes being listed as a Recommended Lawyer in the 2024 Legal 500 EMEA rankings, an example of the endorsement of her technical competence and experience in complex transactions.
Her brand
In 2021, she co-founded Solfa Power Limited, an energy company focused on delivering off-grid solar electricity and power management solutions. The firm’s target demographic includes households and small to medium-sized enterprises that face challenges with unreliable grid infrastructure. Solfa Power promotes energy access through a mix of clean technology and affordability, and has so far deployed solutions across various urban and rural areas.
The company also incorporates a gender-focused approach in its operations, with a predominantly female workforce. According to Ajayi, this model supports broader inclusion goals in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Outside of corporate practice, Ajayi is active in professional networks that support young talent in the energy sector. She currently serves as Vice President, Projects, at the Energy Institute Young Professionals Network in Nigeria and is also a coordinator for the African Fellowship of Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL). In these roles, she helps to develop leadership opportunities for early-career professionals and supports knowledge exchange on Africa’s energy challenges.
On the international stage, Ajayi has represented youth voices in clean energy policy discussions, including as a co-chair at a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) summit, where she spoke on strategies to improve investment flows into Africa’s energy transition.
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