Damilola Ogunbiyi: Champion of SDG 7 – Sustainable Energy for All

🔹 Personal Background

Damilola Ogunbiyi, hailing from Nigeria, is a globally recognized leader in the energy sector and an ardent advocate for sustainable development. She holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Nottingham and has a strong background in public policy and international development.

Her journey from Nigeria to the global stage is marked by her unique ability to bridge the worlds of government, business, and development. Her work emphasizes empowering marginalized communities, promoting clean energy access, and advancing gender equality in energy.

🔹 Current Roles

CEO and UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
Co-Chair of UN-Energy
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

In these roles, Damilola spearheads efforts to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, aligning directly with SDG 7.

🔹 Key Projects and Initiatives

🌟 1. Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP)

As the Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, Ogunbiyi launched the NEP, a $350 million initiative supported by the World Bank.

Significance: NEP targets connecting over 250,000 households and 1 million people to off-grid solar energy solutions in Nigeria.
SDG Impact: Directly supports SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by enabling energy access for underserved populations.

🌟 2. Energizing Economies Initiative

She led this innovative program aimed at electrifying markets and economic hubs in Nigeria.

Significance: The initiative powered over 15,000 shops and businesses, boosting local economic productivity.
SDG Impact: Supports SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry & Infrastructure), and SDG 7.

🌟 3. Global Energy Access Initiatives at SEforALL

Since assuming her global role, Damilola has launched and expanded several initiatives:

UN-Energy Plan of Action: A global blueprint to ensure universal energy access and accelerate clean energy transitions.
Universal Energy Facility (UEF): A results-based financing platform supporting distributed renewable energy solutions in Africa and Asia.
SDG7 Youth Constituency: Engaging and empowering young people to lead the clean energy transition.

🔹 Benefits and Impact

Energy Access: Damilola’s work has enabled millions to gain access to electricity, especially in underserved rural areas.
Women Empowerment: Her initiatives often focus on women-led businesses and female energy entrepreneurs, advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Climate Action: By promoting renewable energy, her efforts contribute significantly to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and reducing carbon footprints.
Economic Development: Energy access drives local economies, improving livelihoods and enabling better health and education outcomes.

🔹 Future Roadmap

Damilola Ogunbiyi’s vision extends beyond electrification:

Scaling Renewable Energy Solutions: Expanding solar mini-grids and clean cooking technologies across Africa and Asia.
Financing the Transition: Mobilizing billions in public and private investments to accelerate energy access and sustainability.
Policy and Partnerships: Working with governments, multilateral agencies, and businesses to remove policy barriers and create enabling environments for energy investments.
Energy Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring no one is left behind, especially vulnerable populations, women, and youth.

🔹 In Her Own Words

Damilola often emphasizes,
“Energy is more than electricity – it’s a catalyst for achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals. From health to education, from gender to economic growth – energy powers everything.”

Damilola Ogunbiyi’s leadership exemplifies the power of innovation, inclusivity, and action in driving the global energy transition. As the world races towards the 2030 SDG targets, her work continues to inspire policymakers, entrepreneurs, and communities alike.