With food inflation hitting record highs and post-harvest losses gutting agricultural margins, the “rhetoric of sustainability” is finally meeting the “reality of execution.”

On Friday, the Greenlabs Incubation Programme, powered by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) and Jacobs Ladder Africa (JLA), hosted its Cohort 2 “Powering Food Systems” Demo Day.

The event wasn’t just a showcase of ideas; it was a strategic unveiling of 16 youth-led ventures aiming to fix the broken intersections of energy, technology, and agriculture.

The Finalists: From Prototype to Pre-Seed

Following an intensive mentor-guided sprint that began in January 2026, the challenge narrowed its pool to 16 innovators. In an ecosystem where scalability is the ultimate filter, three startups; Geocycle, Ecobag Mart, and Agricool Logistics, secured top honours and the pre-seed funding necessary to move from lab to marketplace.

These winners, alongside fellow finalists Leovia Farms and Dry Heat Solutions, are now entering a nine-month high-touch incubation phase. The goal? To transform “green ideas” into “green enterprises” that can survive the Nigerian business lifecycle.

Intersectionality: Energy meets Food

The core thesis of Cohort 2 was a deliberate push toward Agro-Energy. In sectors like poultry and aquaculture, the lack of reliable cooling and processing infrastructure is a primary driver of value-chain collapse.

“Funding is only the beginning,” said Karen Chelang’at, chief innovation officer at Jacobs Ladder Africa. “The real success will be market-ready businesses that create jobs and deliver measurable community impact.” JLA’s approach pushes innovators to solve practical failures, such as cold-chain gaps, using renewable energy to strengthen yields.

Institutional Alignment: The Policy Tailwinds

The event signaled a rare moment of institutional alignment. Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu Fatai declared that innovation is no longer a luxury for Africa’s food future.

“Today’s innovators are rewriting tomorrow’s food economy,” Fatai stated. This sentiment was echoed by the Lagos State Government, which highlighted its own “Agri-Innovation” and “Agrithon” programs as proof that the state is ready to absorb and scale these youth-powered solutions.

Building Founders, Not Just Pitchers

For the organizers, the Demo Day served as a bridge between “invention” and “enterprise.” In Nigeria’s volatile market, a great prototype is nothing without a disciplined founder.

“Beyond pitching, we are building founders who can create jobs and scale responsibly,” noted Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, executive director of CADEF. The incubation framework is designed to bake financial discipline and “lifecycle knowledge” into the startups’ DNA, essential traits for companies operating in the circular economy.

The Bottom Line

As Nigeria targets a $1 trillion economy, the agricultural sector cannot remain a low-tech, high-loss industry.

The Greenlabs Cohort 2 Demo Day suggests that the solution won’t come from government action alone, but from a cross-sector “execution play” powered by young founders who view climate change as a market opportunity rather than just a crisis.

This milestone event celebrates the culmination of nine transformative months where young African innovators moved from bold ideas to market-ready, climate-smart solutions.

The greenlabs program is a vital Pan-African initiative committed to nurturing the continent’s next generation of green innovators and entrepreneurial leaders.

Running concurrently in both Nigeria and Kenya, the program underscores a shared, continental commitment to driving green innovation while accelerating Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.

Nine Months of Impact: Where Ideas Become Enterprises

The journey for the Lagos Cohort 1 innovators began with a highly competitive selection process, sifting through applications from passionate young Nigerians determined to pioneer change.

Following an intensive Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge, the most promising ideas advanced further into the incubation phase.

For ten months, these entrepreneurs were immersed in a rigorous curriculum of capacity-building workshops, technical mentorship, knowledge transfer and business coaching.

They didn’t just learn; they piloted plus refined their ideas turning and scaling them into viable ventures with real-world impact.

The graduating cohort is unveiling solutions that are already redefining sustainability in their communities.

Standout enterprises include ventures that are turning organic waste into clean, renewable energy, deploying low-cost solar-powered irrigation systems to boost food security for smallholder farmers, and establishing innovative recycling and upcycling models that generate income while significantly reducing environmental footprints.

Empowering the Pioneers of Africa’s Green Economy

Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, executive director of CADEF, highlighted the program’s fundamental belief in youth empowerment.

“The greenlabs program is proof that sustainability starts with empowerment. This first cohort hasn’t just developed innovative ideas; they’ve created viable, scalable enterprises. They are not merely responding to Africa’s climate challenges, they are building the profitable, long-term solutions our continent desperately needs. This is the future of African enterprise.”

The graduation is a celebration of the innovators’ resilience and CADEF’s robust partnership with Jacob’s Ladder Africa.

Together, they are fostering a growing network of African changemakers equipped to tackle the continent’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges through innovation.

Karen Chelangat, chief innovation officer at Jacob’s Ladder Africa, spoke to the broader vision for the program’s future expansion:

“Our mission is to ensure African youth are the architects of the green economy, not just its beneficiaries. The success of Cohort 1 fuels our commitment to further scale this impact. Cohort 2 will strengthen this movement, building the essential green jobs, green skills, and green enterprises that will drive inclusive and resilient growth across the continent.”

Call for Cohort 2 Applications

Building on this success, CADEF is now opening the call for applications for the greenlabs Incubation Program Cohort 2.

The next phase promises expanded cross-country collaborations, strategic partnerships, and even greater opportunities for aspiring green entrepreneurs to design and deploy sustainable solutions within their communities.

Young Nigerians passionate about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation are strongly encouraged to apply and join a vibrant ecosystem of change leaders building Africa’s green future.

To learn more and apply for the greenlabs Incubation Program Cohort 2, visit here.

Thus, different initiatives have been launched to tackle the failure of the Nigerian power sector to provide adequate electricity supply to domestic households, businesses, etc.

But, did you know? The spread of misinformation about solar and wind energy could lead some States and even the Country to restrict or even reject projects in this line.

Yes. Many even say ‘renewable energy is bad for nature’. This myth takes many forms; construction destroying natural habitats and decreasing biodiversity to birds and bats flying into operational wind turbines, many renewable projects experience delays due to misplaced fears around their being bad for nature.

On Friday, November 30, 2024 the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) launched Distributed Energy Resources (DER), a laudable initiative ​a​imed at addressing the information gap within the renewable energy space. 

Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, the executive director of CADEF, in this interview with Techeconomy​, spoke about the unyielding determination and passion for Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy, including wind, solar, biomass, hydro, and geothermal to achieve the universal energy access by 2030.

Under Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor’s guidance, CADEF has emerged as a force to reckon with, tirelessly working to empower individuals and groups, fostering autonomy and self-determination economically and socially.

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor’s expertise extends globally, having worked with organizations in the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, enhancing their capacity through strategic design and training.

One of her significant achievements includes being the Co-Principal Investigator for a National Science Foundation grant aimed at developing a coordinated regional IT education and workforce development system in Boston, MA.

She reiterated CADEF’s dedication to empowering the average Nigerian consumer. “We aim to provide a voice for consumers, advocate for their rights, and create opportunities for their empowerment. CADEF serves as a bridge between consumers, producers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that consumers’ interests are protected and their needs are met”, she said.

Excerpt:

TE: How would you assess the current state of electricity (supply) in Nigeria compared to other countries?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor: Nigeria’s electricity situation is a well-known challenge. We face significant power shortages, with demand far exceeding supply. This shortfall impacts both urban and rural areas, hindering industrial growth and economic development.

TE: Beyond making renewable energy knowledge accessible to everyone, what other gaps must we address to benefit the average consumer?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor:  We are well aware of the electricity deficit in both urban and rural areas, particularly in suburban and interior regions. This lack of power hampers industrial production.

To fully harness renewable energy, we need to prioritize education and awareness. Our current curriculum, from secondary to tertiary levels, lacks the necessary focus on renewable energy technologies. We must cultivate a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and producing renewable energy solutions.

By transitioning to a manufacturing economy, we can reduce reliance on imports and leverage our abundant natural resources. To achieve this, we must update our educational system to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for the renewable energy sector.

Therefore, a significant gap lies in education and skill development.

TE: What is the goal of the DER initiative, and how can it benefit the average Nigerian consumer?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor:  Earlier today (Friday), we discussed Distributed Energy Resources (DER). The goal is to make electricity more accessible to the average consumer.

The DER website is designed to empower people to make informed decisions about renewable energy, particularly solar power.

By using the solar calculator and other resources on the website, individuals can avoid being misled by unscrupulous vendors.

Our hope is that within the next three months, the website will attract 20,000 to 30,000 visitors. We want people to leave the site feeling informed and inspired, with at least 20% considering renewable energy as a viable option for their energy needs. Ultimately, we aim to spread awareness about the availability and benefits of DER across Nigeria.

TE: What challenges have you encountered in implementing the DER initiative, and how are you addressing them?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor: One significant challenge is the dissemination of information. We are actively collaborating with various agencies and organizations to reach a wider audience. Additionally, we’re working to overcome data silos and improve access to reliable information.

TE: What are the benefits of adopting green energy for the average Nigerian?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor: Green energy offers numerous advantages for Nigerians. By switching to renewable sources like solar or wind power, individuals can: Reduce harmful emissions and air pollution, leading to better respiratory health.

It can minimize noise disturbances from traditional generators. Lower long-term energy expenses, as renewable energy sources become more affordable over time.

Green energy can also make you become less reliant on fossil fuels and fluctuating fuel prices as well as support environmental conservation and reduce carbon footprint.

While the initial investment in green energy systems can be significant, the long-term benefits, including cost savings and environmental impact reduction, make it a worthwhile investment for the average Nigerian.

TE: Many people are interested in alternative energy solutions in the country. However, accessibility remains a challenge. What can be done to improve access to these solutions?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor: On our website, we have some of the institutions that offer different types of loans. We hope to continue to increase as more financing options are made available to us. We will add them to the list.

But, also, that the government will also look into completely removing tariffs because most of the majority of renewable energy materials are imported. So there is a need to remove tariffs in order to encourage more people to install it. If I install it in my office, there should be a tax incentive. Reduce their tax level taxes, to encourage them because they’re not providing their own energy.

So there should be tax incentives. VATs should be removed for installation to encourage people to sign up for renewable energy resources. 

So these are some of the things that governments could do. There’re already policies. There’s already policies in place that encourage this. But we should go from what your question is more financial incentives to encourage this.

TE: What initiatives is CADEF undertaking to empower young people and encourage their involvement in the green energy sector?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor:  CADEF, in partnership with Jacob’s Ladder, is currently running the Green Labs Incubation program. Over 81 young people applied, and 20 were selected to participate in a 5-week innovation challenge.

The program is designed to help these young innovators develop not only great ideas but also the skills to turn those ideas into successful businesses.

Over the next 9 months, they will receive training in areas such as mindset, finance, leadership, market research, and business development.

In addition to the incubation program, CADEF is working with the Ministry of Environment to develop an awareness program for secondary and tertiary institutions.

This program will educate young people about the green economy and encourage sustainable practices, such as recycling and conscious consumption.”

TE: What is your vision for Nigeria’s energy future, and how can CADEF contribute to achieving this? 

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor:  We aspire to become a nation admired for its economic progress. By investing in renewable energy, we can support industries and manufacturing.

Nigeria is rich in natural resources, but to thrive as a manufacturing hub, we need reliable infrastructure, including a stable power supply.

We aim to revive our manufacturing sector and reduce our dependence on imports, as we did in the 1970s.

Our goal is to transition from being a net importer to a net exporter of goods and services.”

TE: What message do you have for young Nigerians who are passionate about making a difference in the energy sector?

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor:  My message to young people is that we’re in the 21st century, on the cusp of the 22nd. The future is driven by technology, sustainability, and human connection. Young people should focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, as well as sustainable practices in the green and blue economies. Ultimately, success lies in building strong communities and supporting one another.”

This call was made during a one-day workshop organized by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation, CADEF in partnership with Consumers International.

The workshop, themed “Digital Financial Literacy for PWDs,” explored strategies to enhance financial inclusion for PWDs. Senior Manager of the Development Finance Office at the CBN, Adeniyi Bunmi, stressed the importance of alignment and coordination among disability groups and financial institutions. 

“Financial services should be accessible to everyone, but PWDs still face significant exclusion,” Bunmi said. “While progress has been made since 2012, more needs to be done to meet our 95 percent financial inclusion target.”

The CBN’s commitment to financial inclusion for PWDs was further highlighted by Bunmi, who noted that the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee is chaired by the CBN Governor. 

“PWDs remain a priority segment, and we must move faster by working together to address their unique challenges,” she added.

Key financial institutions, such as Zenith Bank, also participated in the workshop. Chinonso Umeh, who represented the Head of Retail Services at Zenith Bank, reiterated the bank’s commitment to PWDs. 

“At Zenith Bank, we pride ourselves on people, technology, and service. We are committed to working with stakeholders to improve the financial experience for PWDs and ensure they are fully included,” Umeh stated.

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, also called for increased public-private collaboration to address the financial barriers faced by PWDs. 

General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized the need for tailored financial products and accessible services.

Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Mr. Safiu Babatunde, Head of the Legal Department, urged the banking sector to be more responsive to the needs of PWDs.

Earlier in her speech, the Executive Director of CADEF, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in the financial sector. She shared her personal experiences witnessing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing banking services, which sparked her commitment to finding solutions.

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor stated: “CADEF has been empowering individuals with financial literacy, including those with disabilities.”Our goal is to create inclusive financial systems that meet the needs of all Nigerians.”

The workshop focused on enhancing security and privacy features for PWDs, ensuring accessibility to financial platforms, and developing an action plan to address identified barriers. “We need to ensure that persons with disabilities can protect their financial information online and have easy access to their data through inclusive digital platforms,” Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor explained.

The event underscored the importance of partnerships between the government, financial institutions, and disability organizations in creating inclusive financial solutions. 

Stakeholders agreed on the need for tailored financial literacy programs, improved accessibility of banking platforms, and better coordination across sectors to drive meaningful progress.