- Sahara Group has urged young Africans to turn the continent’s energy challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities.
- The company promoted innovative energy solutions during the 2026 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Certification Programme at the University of Lagos.
Sahara Group has urged young Africans to transform the continent’s energy challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities. The company encouraged them to design innovative solutions that address Africa’s development gaps.
Sahara Group made the call during the 2026 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Certification (EIBIC) Programme hosted by University of Lagos. The event reinforced the company’s “Beyond Energy” philosophy.
The EIBIC programme is now in its third year. It serves as a learning platform for students. The initiative helps them begin their academic journey with an entrepreneurial mindset.
During the programme, Sahara Group delivered a thought leadership session titled “Becoming a M.A.D. Entrepreneur: Powering Africa’s Energy Future.” The session framed entrepreneurship as a mindset built on “Making A Difference.”
The organisers also honoured Sahara Group with the EIBIC Champion Award. The award recognised the company’s support and partnership with the university.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, commended the company for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young Africans. She said the university values Sahara Group’s partnership as it continues to strengthen academic excellence and innovation.
Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to encouraging young Africans to think beyond traditional energy solutions.
According to her, the Beyond Energy philosophy encourages people to think differently, collaborate effectively, and develop responsible solutions that create long-term value. She explained that initiatives such as the EIBIC programme help young people view energy poverty and sustainability challenges as opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
In addition, the Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, highlighted the need for responsible innovation to address Africa’s energy access gap.
Gray noted that Africa still faces the largest energy access deficit in the world. She therefore urged young people to develop inclusive and sustainable solutions that can deliver long-term impact.
She also encouraged students to adopt a multidisciplinary approach when tackling energy challenges. According to her, energy access intersects with sectors such as policy, finance, healthcare, construction, law, insurance, behavioural science, and communications.
During the session, participants explored several practical energy solutions.
For example, students learned about pay-as-you-go solar models, which enable households and small businesses to access electricity despite limited incomes. These systems allow users to improve productivity and participate more actively in the formal economy.
The session also highlighted solar-powered cold storage technologies, which help reduce food waste, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and stabilise food supply chains.
Participants examined circular bioenergy models that convert agricultural waste into electricity and clean cooking fuel. These systems can expand rural energy access while also creating economic opportunities in local communities.