Abiola AJALA

Abiola Ajala has eight years of experience as an advocate for women and youth development and passionate about affordable, clean and efficient energy access to the rural poor and off grid regions across Africa.  Launched his first energy start-up at the age of 18. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship Technology from the Federal University of Technology Akure in Nigeria.  As the Co-founder and Team Lead of Arojintech Nig Ltd(2011) Ibadan, Nigeria, Abiola developed and led programs that trained over 200 youths and women on renewable energy, entrepreneurial skills and business development, and also consulted for the business unit of the academy, connected more than 500 off grid families to clean and affordable solar electricity by combining flexible, affordable and innovative rental business model in rural and semi-urban off grid regions of Nigeria. Through Arojintech, he aims to reduce dependence on grid power, eradicate fossil fuel generators and kerosene lamps. Recently, Abiola Co-founded Sunbox Energy, an autonomous business in a box unit that serves as the energy gateway for sustainable development of the base of pyramid communities and empowers rural women to become renewable energy solution providers and entrepreneurs. Through his work, 30 women and youths became active renewable energy advocates and solar kiosk entrepreneurs; each making an average of $1,500 annually and providing better health and well-being to homes. Abiola is a recipient and fellow of Skill G tech Award (2012), Nigeria’s Best 20 Young Inventors (2012), Leap Africa social Innovator (2017), Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Grant(2015), Finalist Global good Fund(2017), LYFECAMP Pitch (2016), UNLEASH innovation LAB (2017), International Action Youth Net(2017), Africa Energy Generation Prize (2018) and member of several industry related organizations such as Power Nigeria, West Africa Power and Industry Convention and A graduate of several enterprise development programs. For this programs, Abiola worked closely with top industry experts to help in developing, distributing and scaling access to clean energy solutions within and outside Nigeria. The outcome of the relationship catalyzed improved clean energy production and distribution in Nigeria. Abiola is interested in leadership, rural energy access, social entrepreneurship, business development, and management.