Ifeoma Malo, co-founder and CEO of Clean Technology Hub, is transforming Nigeria’s clean energy sector. On 14 December 2021, Clean Technology Hub, in a strategic partnership with All On (a Shell-backed investment company), awarded $70,000 in ideation grants to seven Nigerian start-ups in the sector.
Before establishing the hub, Ifeoma Malo had a notable career in the energy sector. She served as the Nigerian Country Director of Power For All, where she led initiatives to promote and expand the use of decentralized renewable energy. As a result of her efforts, the company experienced a 55% growth, and the market size increased by 40% within two years.
Her experience in government further exposed her to the significant barriers faced by young entrepreneurs in the energy sector. This insight inspired her to establish Clean Technology Hub to support and incubate innovations, co-create with talented individuals, and amplify the presence of women and youth in the energy industry.
Established in 2016, Clean Technology Hub is a pioneering hybrid centre for developing, demonstrating, and incubating clean and green technologies in Africa. The organisation has expanded its reach to over 80 communities across seven countries, including Nigeria, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Uganda, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. With a dedicated team, the company is steadfast in its mission to drive energy access and champion climate change initiatives across Africa.
Its Enterprise Development Programme (EDP) is central to its operations and focuses on identifying and nurturing early-stage clean energy companies. Participants in the programme receive comprehensive business training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and technical support for prototyping and testing their innovations. This holistic approach ensures that startups are well-equipped to scale their solutions and effectively contribute to bridging Africa’s energy access gap.
Beneficiaries of the $70,000 grants were chosen from participants of the 2021 Enterprise Development Programme (EDP), with each venture receiving $10,000.
The organisation has significantly impacted the community by supporting over 60 women-led startups focused on clean energy and sustainability solutions in Nigeria. One notable example is a company that designs solar dryers for rural farmers. These dryers make it more affordable and more manageable for farmers to dry and process their harvested vegetables while also reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered dryers.
Ifeoma Malo is leading at Clean Technology Hub to shape Africa’s clean energy sector. Her commitment to sustainability and innovation has empowered numerous startups and communities, establishing a benchmark for future clean energy leaders.