The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria has celebrated exceptional startups advancing the nation’s green economy and energy transition at its 2025 National Forum and Award Ceremony, held at the Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Allgreen Ivy Limited, a female-led cleantech startup producing biodegradable sanitary pads from agricultural waste, emerged as the national winner, securing a total of $15,000 — $10,000 as the overall winner and an additional $5,000 as Best Female-Led Startup. One Grid Energies claimed both the First Runner-Up and Best Climate Mitigation Startup awards, receiving $12,500, while Rekool Access Technology took Second Runner-Up with $5,000.
According to Akinwande Akinsulire, Head of the Startup Support Division at Co-Creation Hub Africa (CcHUB), GCIP Nigeria is backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
“Each year, we support 25 entrepreneurs through a one-year acceleration programme,” Akinsulire noted. “The national competition recognizes those driving innovation in Nigeria’s cleantech space.” He added that the 2025 edition attracted nearly 300 applications, demonstrating the country’s growing interest in sustainable solutions.
Amin Lukeman, GCIP Nigeria Project Manager at REA, emphasized the importance of clean technology in achieving net-zero emissions. He stated that the agency is developing financial tools to help startups replace fossil-fuel-based systems with sustainable alternatives.
Dr. Reuben Bamidele, UNIDO’s National Programme Officer, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting SMEs in renewable energy and sustainability.
Mrs. Lydia Ekpong Thompson, CEO of Allgreen Ivy Limited, said the grant would enable automation to scale production from 250 to 3,500 pads daily. She highlighted that their biodegradable pads made from banana fibre promote both women’s health and environmental protection.
