Nigerian tech innovator Stanley Anigbogu has been named the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, a prestigious recognition of his groundbreaking work in clean energy solutions.
Anigbogu received the award at the annual ‘Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work’, held in London on Wednesday.
As the founder and CEO of LightEd, his innovative approach to turning waste into solar-powered solutions has provided clean energy to more than 10,000 refugees across Africa.
A Champion of Sustainability
Anigbogu’s selection came from a competitive pool of 20 finalists—young leaders who have made significant contributions to sustainable development within their countries and beyond.
His impactful work, driven by personal experiences, aims to address energy poverty while promoting sustainability and climate resilience.
The award organisers highlighted his dedication, stating: “His work draws from his childhood experiences with energy poverty. Determined to create change and promote sustainability as well as climate resilience, he founded LightEd in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With a small team of like-minded young people, he has trained 6,000 students and recycled over 20,000 kilograms of waste.”
Global Recognition for Transformative Impact
At the award ceremony held at Marlborough House, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland commended Anigbogu’s innovative solutions, emphasizing their broad impact.
“Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities and refugees who face many hardships and disadvantages, but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution, leaving environments safer and cleaner for other young people. This is a testament to the creativity of the Commonwealth’s youth.”
Beyond providing renewable energy, Anigbogu’s work is equipping young people with valuable skills for the future. Scotland further praised his vision, adding: “Stanley is training other young people and providing skills for employment in a field that will contribute to the energy transition we need to mitigate against climate change.
“You are a true revolutionary — a visionary — and I am pleased to award you the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Sustainable Solutions
In addition to winning the regional award for Africa, Anigbogu expressed his commitment to furthering sustainable solutions for the continent.
“It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young changemakers, all dedicated to launching innovative solutions that drive transformative change for millions of young people around the world. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners.”
Empowering Young Changemakers
The Commonwealth Youth Awards celebrate young leaders aged 15–29 who are driving local innovations with global impact.
By advancing sustainable development goals through education, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity, these awards provide a platform to scale life-changing projects like LightEd, ensuring that visionary ideas continue to transform communities worldwide.
With this recognition, Stanley Anigbogu stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that one innovative idea can illuminate lives, empower youth, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
