Nigeria’s economy has long been synonymous with oil. For decades, crude oil exports fueled the nation’s growth, but the environmental and economic costs of this dependency are undeniable. From pollution to fluctuating global oil prices, Nigeria is now embracing a transformative shift toward sustainability. A new wave of startups is rising to the challenge, leveraging innovation to build a greener, cleaner future. Here are 10 Nigerian startups leading this revolution.
1. Reeddi
Website: www.reeddi.com
Reeddi tackles energy poverty by providing affordable, portable solar-powered energy capsules. These lightweight units rent for as little as $0.50 a day, powering homes and businesses in off-grid communities. Founded by Olugbenga Olubanjo, Reeddi reduces reliance on fossil fuel generators, curbing carbon emissions and empowering underserved populations. The startup has already impacted over 1,000 households and won international acclaim, including the 2021 Cisco Global Problem Solver Award.
2. Wecyclers
Website: www.wecyclers.com
Waste management is a critical challenge in Nigeria’s crowded cities. Wecyclers incentivizes recycling by deploying a fleet of low-cost cargo bikes to collect household waste. Families earn rewards for recyclables like plastics and metals, which are processed and sold to manufacturers. Founded by Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, Wecyclers has diverted over 3,000 metric tons of waste from landfills while creating jobs in low-income communities.
3. Arnergy
Website: www.arnergy.com
Arnergy provides solar energy solutions to businesses and homes, offering scalable systems that combine solar panels, batteries, and IoT monitoring. CEO Femi Adeyemo’s vision is to democratize access to reliable clean energy, particularly for SMEs plagued by Nigeria’s erratic power supply. Arnergy’s clients include banks, hospitals, and telecom companies, collectively offsetting thousands of tons of CO₂ annually.
4. Green Energy Biofuels
Website: www.greenenergybiofuels.com
This startup converts organic waste—like used cooking oil—into biodiesel and biogas. Founded by Chris and Zandra Uwadoka, Green Energy Biofuels addresses both waste pollution and energy deficits. Their biodiesel serves as a cleaner alternative for generators and vehicles, while their biogas systems provide affordable cooking fuel to households, reducing deforestation caused by firewood use.
5. Daystar Power
Website: www.daystar-power.com
Daystar Power delivers solar-hybrid solutions to businesses across West Africa, helping them cut energy costs and emissions. Co-founded by Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, the company’s “Power-as-a-Service” model allows clients to avoid upfront costs. With over 300 installations in Nigeria alone, Daystar is a key player in the region’s renewable energy transition.
6. Ecotutu
Website: www.ecotutu.com
Ecotutu retrofits conventional refrigerators with energy-efficient components, slashing electricity consumption by up to 60%. CEO Olamide Ayeni-Babajide’s innovation helps households and businesses reduce their carbon footprint while saving money. The startup also offers solar-powered cold storage solutions for farmers, tackling post-harvest food waste in rural areas.
7. Lumos
Website: www.lumos.com.ng
Lumos (formerly known as Lumos Global) provides solar home systems through a pay-as-you-go model. Partnering with MTN Nigeria, customers pay for clean energy via mobile money. With over 100,000 installations, Lumos has brought reliable electricity to off-grid communities, displacing kerosene lamps and generators.
8. Kaltani
Website: www.kaltani.com
Kaltani uses AI and robotics to streamline plastic recycling. Their facilities process over 1,000 tons of plastic monthly, transforming waste into reusable materials for manufacturers. Founder Obi Charles Nnanna aims to curb plastic pollution while creating green jobs. Kaltani’s tech-driven approach ensures efficient sorting and recycling, setting a new standard for waste management in Africa.
9. Sabon-Sake
Website: www.sabon-sake.com
Sabon-Sake upcycles discarded tires into eco-friendly furniture and décor. Founded by Titi Adewusi, the startup tackles Nigeria’s tire waste problem while offering stylish, sustainable products. Their work not only reduces landfill burden but also raises awareness about circular economy principles.
10. Solar Sister
Website: www.solarsister.org
Solar Sister empowers women entrepreneurs to distribute solar products in rural areas. By training women to sell affordable solar lamps and chargers, the startup combats energy poverty and gender inequality simultaneously. Operating across Nigeria and East Africa, Solar Sister has reached over 2 million people with clean energy solutions.
Conclusion: A Green Horizon for Nigeria
These 10 startups exemplify Nigeria’s potential to redefine its economic and environmental future. By prioritizing renewable energy, waste innovation, and sustainable practices, they’re proving that the nation’s prosperity need not hinge on oil. However, their success depends on support from investors, policymakers, and consumers.
As global demand for sustainability grows, Nigeria’s green startups are poised to lead not just locally but globally. By embracing their solutions, we can collectively build a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. The era of oil dominance may be fading, but Nigeria’s green revolution is just beginning.
Let’s champion these innovators. Visit their websites, support their missions, and join the movement toward a greener Nigeria.
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