Nigerian tech innovator Stanley Anigbogu has been named the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for his groundbreaking work in turning waste into sustainable energy solutions.
Anigbogu, founder and CEO of LightEd, was honored at the Commonwealth Youth Awards in London for his initiative, which repurposes waste materials into solar-powered innovations. His work has provided clean energy to over 10,000 refugees across Africa, tackling both environmental and energy challenges.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland praised Anigbogu’s efforts, calling him a visionary tackling energy poverty, environmental pollution, and youth unemployment. His organization has trained 6,000 students and recycled over 20,000 kilograms of waste, transforming discarded items into resources that power homes and schools.
In addition to the top prize, Anigbogu received the regional award for Africa, securing a total of £5,000 in prize money. His journey was shaped by personal experience with energy poverty, inspiring him to create sustainable solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Selected from 20 finalists, Anigbogu’s ability to merge environmental sustainability with energy innovation set him apart, positioning LightEd as a model for sustainable development in Africa and beyond.
