Sahara Group is challenging the next generation of African leaders to rethink their relationship with the continent’s energy sector. During the 2026 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Certification (EIBIC) programme held at the University of Lagos, the energy conglomerate urged students to look past traditional business models and instead focus on solving the most critical development hurdles facing Africa today.
Now in its third year, the EIBIC platform serves as a launchpad for students to integrate an entrepreneurial spirit into their academic pursuits. During a standout session titled “Becoming a M.A.D Entrepreneur: Powering Africa’s Energy Future,” the company framed entrepreneurship as a mindset rooted in “Making A Difference.” This approach, which the group calls its “Beyond Energy” philosophy, aims to equip young people with the tools to collaborate boldly and act responsibly in the face of widespread energy poverty.
The university recognized this commitment by presenting Sahara Group with the EIBIC Champion Award. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, praised the partnership, noting that the company has become a vital ally in the institution’s quest to elevate academic and practical excellence.
Reports notes that the conversation emphasized the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to energy. Ejiro Gray, the Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, pointed out that closing Africa’s energy gap is not just an engineering challenge; it is a multifaceted issue that requires expertise in finance, law, behavioral science, and even healthcare. She encouraged students to recognize that energy access is the bedrock upon which many other sectors rely, urging them to act immediately rather than waiting for external permission.
To bring these concepts to life, the session introduced students to practical, scalable innovations. Among the highlights were pay-as-you-go solar models, which empower low-income households and micro-enterprises to participate in the formal economy. The discussion also covered solar-powered cold storage, a critical tool in reducing food waste and protecting the livelihoods of farmers, as well as circular bioenergy models that transform agricultural waste into clean cooking fuel and electricity.
Bethel Obioma, the Head of Corporate Communications for Sahara Group, noted that the goal of these sessions is to shape a mindset that views sustainability challenges as prime opportunities for value creation. By fostering a generation of “M.A.D” entrepreneurs who see beyond immediate profit, the partnership aims to secure a more resilient and electrified future for the continent.
