By Ajong Mbapndah L
Nigerian energy leader Damilola Ogunbiyi has made history as the first Nigerian to be named to the prestigious TIME Earth Awards, earning global recognition for her transformative work in advancing clean energy access and driving climate action across developing economies. Announced in London on March 22, 2026, the award places Ogunbiyi among six influential figures whose efforts are reshaping the global response to climate change.
The recognition, considered one of the highest honors from TIME on environmental leadership, highlights Ogunbiyi’s far-reaching impact as CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. In her dual role, which also includes co-chairing UN-Energy, she has emerged as one of the most influential voices advocating for equitable and inclusive energy transitions worldwide.
At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful idea: that the global energy transition must be centered on people. Reflecting on the recognition, Ogunbiyi captured this philosophy succinctly: “The energy transition is about people… This recognition is a reminder of what’s possible when we put people at the centre of the energy transition.” Her words underscore a broader shift in global thinking—one that prioritizes human development alongside climate goals.
She pointed to real-world examples across the Global South, where countries are not only adapting but leading. Pakistan’s rapid solar expansion, Kenya’s achievement of generating over 90 percent of its electricity from clean sources, and Nigeria’s growing distributed renewable energy programs all reflect a shift in momentum that is redefining global energy narratives.
Since taking the helm at Sustainable Energy for All in 2020, Ogunbiyi has overseen a dramatic expansion in the organization’s reach and influence. Partnerships with more than 200 institutions have been forged, while over 100 countries have received support in developing strategies to accelerate energy access and transition to cleaner systems. Perhaps most striking is the scale of financing mobilized under her leadership, with commitments exceeding $1.6 trillion directed toward energy projects aimed at reducing emissions, expanding renewable capacity, and improving energy efficiency in emerging markets.
Her journey to global prominence is rooted in impactful work at home in Nigeria, where she previously led the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria. There, she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million initiative that has already brought electricity to more than 8 million people. The project deployed over 100 megawatts of decentralized energy solutions, powering essential services such as hospitals, schools, and government institutions, while demonstrating how targeted investments can unlock economic opportunities and improve quality of life.
Ogunbiyi’s inclusion on the TIME Earth Awards list adds to a growing collection of international accolades that reflect her sustained impact in the energy and climate space. She was named among global sustainability leaders by Forbes in 2025 and featured on the TIME100 Climate list in 2024 as one of the world’s most influential climate figures. Her contributions were also recognized during COP28, where she received the First Class Order of Zayed II for her role in advancing international climate cooperation.
Beyond the personal achievement, Ogunbiyi’s recognition carries broader significance for Africa and the Global South. It signals a growing acknowledgment that leadership in climate action is no longer confined to traditional power centers, but is increasingly being driven by voices and innovations from regions often at the frontline of climate challenges. Her work illustrates that developing economies are not merely passive participants in the global energy transition, but active leaders shaping its direction and pace.
As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, Ogunbiyi’s approach, anchored in equity, scale, and collaboration, offers a compelling model for progress. Her recognition by TIME not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces the critical role she continues to play in building a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.
