Three Nigerian startups have secured a combined $32,500 at the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) national awards, held on Friday in Lagos, recognizing their contributions to climate resilience and sustainable development.

The event marked the conclusion of GCIP’s third cohort, spotlighting youth-led solutions to environmental challenges.

Allgreen Ivy Limited received the top prize of $10,000 as the best female-led venture, while One Grid Energies earned $7,500 for excellence in climate mitigation. Rekool Access Technology was awarded $5,000 as runner-up. The winners were selected for their practical innovations in renewable energy, waste management, and other cleantech sectors.

Supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), GCIP provides mentorship and seed funding to innovators aged 18–35, helping them develop scalable prototypes that address Nigeria’s environmental vulnerabilities. Akinwande Akinsulire, head of startup support at CcHub Africa and GCIP partner, praised the cohort’s ingenuity, describing their work as emblematic of “homegrown solutions to tackle our unique environmental hurdles.”

Allgreen Ivy’s recognition underscores the program’s commitment to gender inclusion, while One Grid’s award highlights the urgency of climate action in a country facing rising floods, droughts, and an estimated $10 billion in annual disaster-related losses. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals for a low-carbon transition and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision for freer movement of goods, services, and talent.

As the winners prepare for regional competitions, the awards signal growing momentum in Africa’s startup ecosystem to confront emissions and resource challenges through innovation.