In a moment that feels both well-earned and long overdue, Damilola Ogunbiyi has been named on the prestigious TIME Earth Awards, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the honour. Recognised for her leadership in advancing clean energy and climate action, Ogunbiyi joins a select group of six global figures shaping the future of the planet.
For many Nigerians, this is more than just another global recognition. It is a reminder that impactful leadership from Africa continues to command global attention, especially in areas as critical as climate change and sustainable development.
Driving Global Change Through Clean Energy
At the heart of Ogunbiyi’s recognition is her work as the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. In these roles, she has pushed for a people-focused approach to energy transition, ensuring that clean energy is not just a policy goal but a lived reality for millions.
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Her perspective is clear and grounded in impact. She emphasised that the energy transition is ultimately about people, families, and communities whose lives improve when reliable power becomes accessible. Across the Global South, this vision is already taking shape. Countries like Pakistan and Kenya are making significant strides in renewable energy, while Nigeria continues to expand one of the world’s largest distributed renewable energy programmes.
Under her leadership, Sustainable Energy for All has partnered with over 200 organisations, supported more than 100 countries, and helped secure over 1.6 trillion dollars in energy finance commitments. These numbers represent homes powered, businesses sustained, and opportunities unlocked across developing regions.
From Nigeria to the Global Stage
Before stepping onto the global stage, Ogunbiyi built a strong foundation at home. As the former head of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, she led the Nigerian Electrification Project, a 550 -million- dollar initiative that has already provided electricity access to more than 8 million Nigerians.
The project also delivered over 100 megawatts of decentralised energy, powering hospitals, schools, and government facilities. These efforts helped demonstrate how targeted investments in energy can directly improve quality of life while driving economic growth.
Her journey reflects a consistent pattern. Identify a problem, build scalable solutions, and deliver results that outlast the moment. It is this track record that continues to position her as one of the most influential voices in global energy conversations.
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A Growing List of Global Recognition
This latest honour adds to an already impressive list of accolades. Ogunbiyi was named among global sustainability leaders by Forbes in 2025 and featured on the TIME100 Climate list in 2024. She also received the First Class Order of Zayed II for her contributions to the success of COP28, alongside the Global Female Leadership Impact Award.
Each recognition points to the same thing: Consistency, impact, and a clear commitment to driving change where it matters most.
Looking ahead, Ogunbiyi’s work continues to shape how the world approaches energy access and climate responsibility. Her focus on equity and collaboration offers a practical roadmap for developing economies navigating the transition to cleaner energy systems.
As the global conversation around climate change grows louder, voices like hers are helping ensure that Africa is not just part of the discussion, but actively leading it.
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