Source: Leadership Media Group
The Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has announced a strategic alliance with Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) aimed at expanding green innovation and fostering youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria. This partnership will bring JLA’s acclaimed greenlabs incubation program to Nigeria, marking a significant step forward in promoting youth-driven green solutions, climate innovation, and sustainability across West Africa.
In a press statement shared with LEADERSHIP, CADEF’s Executive Director, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating: “Our partnership with Jacob’s Ladder Africa reflects a powerful alignment of our shared values and objectives. With the right tools, resources, and mentorship, we believe Nigerian youths can lead the country’s green transition. By empowering them in this emerging sector, we are addressing both unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth.”
CADEF has a long-standing commitment to youth development, exemplified by the success of its Fingreen Financial Literacy Programme, launched in August 2023, which empowered over 800 Nigerian youths with vital financial skills. In addition, CADEF is currently implementing the Digital Financial Services project, training more than 100 people with disabilities (PWDs), including visually and hearing-impaired youths, to enhance financial inclusion and independence. This project aims to provide digital financial literacy while advocating for policies that address their specific needs. Building on these successes, CADEF is now focusing on the green economy as a means to further empower Nigerian youth.
Through the new partnership, CADEF and JLA will establish greenlabs in Nigeria, a nine-month incubation program for early-stage startups, designed to support young entrepreneurs in developing scalable green ventures. The program will launch with the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge – Lagos Edition, encouraging young innovators to propose renewable energy solutions that combat climate change and improve energy access.
Sellah Bogonko, CEO and co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating: “This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our mission to empower the next generation to lead Africa’s green transition. By introducing greenlabs to Nigeria, we are not only expanding our reach but also tapping into the immense potential of Nigerian youth to drive sustainable economic growth through green innovation.”
Applications for the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge are set to open in early September, providing selected applicants with mentorship from seasoned professionals and academics, as well as the opportunity to secure pre-seed funding for their startups. Furthermore, all finalists will be considered for inclusion in the greenLabs incubation program, ensuring they receive the necessary support to develop and scale their ideas. As the partnership unfolds, CADEF and JLA are confident that their joint efforts will significantly advance Nigeria’s green economy, providing young entrepreneurs with the resources to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
