Allgreen Ivy Limited, a cleantech enterprise, has emerged as the national winner of the third edition of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria, clinching the top prize of $10,000 at the programme’s 2025 National Forum and Award Ceremony, held at the Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.
The company, which produces biodegradable sanitary pads from agricultural waste, also won an additional $5,000 as the best female-led startup, bringing its total prize to $15,000.
One Grid Energies emerged as the first runner-up and best climate mitigation startup, receiving a combined prize of $12,500, while Rekool Access Technology took the second runner-up position with $5,000.
Speaking at the event, Head of the Startup Support Division at CcHUB Africa, Akinwande Akinsulire, explained that the programme is a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)-backed initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB).
According to Akinwande Akinsulire:
“Over the last three years, we have supported 25 entrepreneurs annually.
After a year-long acceleration programme, we hold this national competition to recognise and reward the most outstanding startups. Today, we are not only celebrating the winners but, also, the ecosystem of partners — from government agencies to private sector collaborators — who have worked with us to grow the cleantech sector in Nigeria.”
Akinsulire emphasised that clean technology remains relatively new in Nigeria, noting that the GCIP aims to expand the sector through technical training, mentorship, and business model refinement.
Akinsulire further stated:
“Out of nearly 300 applications received, only 25 were selected for the one-year programme.
They received both technical and non-technical support, from sustainability training to calculating their CO₂ emission offsets.”
He said the programme also includes special awards such as the Best Female-Led Company and Best Climate Mitigation Company, designed to encourage women’s participation and promote innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions.
Project Manager of GCIP Nigeria at the Rural Electrification Agency, Amin Lukeman, described the initiative as an all-encompassing approach to advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
According to Amin Lukeman:
“The world is moving towards net-zero emissions, and cleantech is the future.
Our role at REA is to design financial mechanisms that help these enterprises scale up their technologies. We want to replace generators and other carbon-emitting systems with cleaner, sustainable alternatives.
Our goal is to ensure sustainability beyond GEF funding. Through partnerships, media engagement, and continued investment, we aim to make Nigeria a hub for green innovation.”
On his part, Dr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer at UNIDO Nigeria, reiterated the agency’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
He stated:
“UNIDO operates in 173 countries, and our mission in Nigeria is to enhance the capacity of small and medium enterprises working in renewable energy, sustainable energy, and energy efficiency. Our work supports startups, strengthens policy frameworks, and promotes coordination across the cleantech ecosystem.”
In her keynote address, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. N.A. Esuabana, described the GCIP as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a sustainable, technology-driven future. “The success of GCIP Nigeria is a testament to the power of partnership,” she said. “We appreciate UNIDO, GEF, REA, and CcHUB for their roles in making this programme possible. The ministry remains committed to creating policies that support clean technologies and empower women innovators.”
Receiving her award, Chief Executive Officer of Allgreen Ivy Limited, Lydia Ekpong Thompson, said the prize money would help her company acquire equipment to automate production and cut costs.
In her words:
“We currently produce about 250 sanitary pads daily, but with automation, we can increase to at least 3,500 pads per day with the same labour. This will also enable us to expand our support to local farmers and women’s cooperatives.”
Thompson added that Allgreen Ivy’s sanitary pads, made from banana fibre and other agricultural by-products, are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, aligning with the company’s mission to promote women’s health while protecting the planet.
With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the 2025 GCIP Nigeria Awards reaffirmed the growing momentum of the country’s green economy and its potential to lead Africa’s cleantech transformation.
