GreenLabs graduates urged to turn clean-energy ideas into scalable businesses

Industry leaders and government representatives have urged young innovators to transform their clean-energy ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses capable of driving Africa’s transition to a green economy.

The call came as the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) and Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) celebrated the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the GreenLabs Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge in Lagos.

Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, executive director, CADEF, while delivering her keynote address, praised the graduates for their creativity and commitment to building sustainable solutions that address Nigeria’s energy and environmental challenges.

“This embodies my vision of a Nigeria where we become producers, not just consumers; innovators, not imitators. We must go beyond the narrative and become the narrative leading innovation that drives sustainable growth across our country”, Ndukwe-Okafor said.

She announced that applications for Cohort 2 of the GreenLabs Innovation Challenge Incubator will soon open under the theme “Food Systems — Green Energy, Green Economy, and Food Security.”

Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Olufolake Kasunmu, the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, congratulated the graduates for their creativity and encouraged them to keep developing technologies that support Lagos State’s green economy and smart city agenda.

“Your contributions are vital to Lagos’ vision of becoming a smart, energy-efficient city,” Kasunmu, who was represented by Engr. Kanike Ahmed Abayomi, assistant director, engineering and IT infrastructure unit, affirmed.

Mrs. Sorun Sayo Olohejeveri, deputy director, Lagos state Ministry of Youth and Social Development, delivered the goodwill message of Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary. Oke-Osanyintolu commended the graduates’ commitment to mastering renewable-energy skills and positioning themselves as leaders in Nigeria’s sustainable future.

“Renewable energy is not just beneficial, it is essential,” she said, assuring participants of the Ministry’s continued support in fostering youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

In her remarks, Sellah Bogonko, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA), hailed the graduates as pioneers of Africa’s green future.

“Africa’s greatest resource is its people especially its young innovators. What we are seeing here today is not just a graduation; it is a movement of young Africans designing the future of clean energy and sustainability,” Bogonko said.

She reaffirmed JLA’s commitment to scaling the GreenLabs model across Africa, empowering youth to transform ideas into sustainable businesses that drive green growth and climate resilience.

Adding a private-sector perspective, Mr. Olufunsho Peters, chief executive officer of Infinion Technologies Limited, delivered a deeply inspiring address that resonated with the young entrepreneurs. He described the graduates as energy architects with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s renewable-energy landscape, urging them to approach their next phase with innovation, resilience, and agility.

“Your graduation today is not an ending, it’s the beginning of a new sprint. Every business must evolve. Keep innovating, because the market will catch up faster than you expect,” Peters said.

Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, Peters shared how starting a tech business in Lagos years ago without structured incubation or mentorship came with daunting challenges, from limited funding and infrastructure to a lack of business guidance. He explained that initiatives like GreenLabs are now bridging those gaps by providing mentorship, exposure, and access to networks that help startups succeed faster and smarter.

“What you have today, the structure, mentorship, and support are game changers. Use them well. Technology and innovation will keep redefining industries. The ability to adapt, reinvent, and collaborate will determine who leads the future,” he advised.

Peters encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and to use technology as a tool for solving Africa’s most pressing energy and development challenges. “Don’t wait for ideal conditions. Innovation thrives on imperfection. Build, fail fast, learn faster, and keep pushing boundaries,” he added.