08/19/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Lagos, Nigeria - August 19, 2024 - The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) has signed a $250,000 grant agreement with Reeddi Technologies to expand affordable and reliable energy solutions across Nigeria. The signing ceremony, attended by Travis Adkins, President and CEO of USADF, Olugbenga Olubanjo, CEO of Reeddi Technologies, and Adamu Garba, Executive Director of Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), underscored the critical role of strategic partnerships in combating energy poverty and promoting sustainable development in underserved communities.
This grant will enable Reeddi Technologies to scale its innovative EnergyBox systems, providing clean, reliable electricity to thousands of households and small businesses in off-grid areas. By leveraging this partnership, Reeddi aims to transform energy access and create economic opportunities in regions where electricity is scarce. The project directly addresses the urgent need for clean, affordable electricity in areas with limited or no access to power, alleviating energy poverty in Nigeria's off-grid communities.
This collaboration builds on the success of a 2020 partnership, where USADF awarded Reeddi a $25,000 grant to distribute over 500 power systems. That initiative reduced energy expenses by 40%, created youth entrepreneurship opportunities, raised community awareness, and significantly improved the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians, making sustainable electricity accessible in low-income communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Travis Adkins, President and CEO of USADF, said, "We are supporting this initiative because of your brilliant idea. You discovered it, and we are here to help bring it to life. Without your innovative concept, our support would have little impact. All credit goes to Reeddi Technologies for creating a groundbreaking solution that is bridging the energy gap in Nigeria and across Africa."
Olugbenga Olubanjo, CEO of Reeddi Technologies, added, "With USADF's support, we are now better positioned to expand our energy solutions to reach more underserved communities, improving lives and powering a brighter future. This grant is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets commitment to social impact. Building on our previous collaboration with USADF, where we deployed over 500 power capsules, impacting over 1,780 low-income households and businesses, we aim to manufacture and deploy 500 more units of the Reeddi 500W Energy Systems (Energy Box) to further expand our reach and impact."
Adamu Garba, Executive Director of DDI, USADF's implementing partner in Nigeria, represented by Oluwasayo Atetedaye, DDI's Project Development Officer, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, " We at DDI are proud to offer our local programmatic support to this laudable initiative which aligns perfectly with our mission to foster sustainable development and economic empowerment across Nigeria. We are confident that this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of countless Nigerians."
Reeddi Technologies has been globally recognized for its innovative solution in bridging the energy access gap in underserved communities. The company won the prestigious 2023 Keeling Curve Clean Energy Prize, was named one of Time's Best Inventions of 2021, and received accolades from Cisco, MIT, ASME, the World Energy Council, the African Prize, and Bloomberg. Reeddi's innovation has been featured in international and Nigerian media, including Bloomberg, CNN, The Washington Post, BBC, and The Guardian.
This collaboration between USADF and Reeddi Technologies reflects a shared vision of fostering sustainable development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment. Together, they are lighting the way to a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria.
About USADF
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. government agency dedicated to supporting African-led solutions that foster community-driven economic development. USADF provides grant funding and capacity-building assistance to grassroots organizations, cooperatives, and small and medium enterprises across Africa. Its programs are designed to improve livelihoods, promote social and economic inclusion, and drive sustainable growth through locally-owned and -managed projects. With a focus on underserved communities, USADF empowers people with the resources and opportunities needed to create jobs, improve income levels, and uplift their communities.
About Reeddi Technologies
Reeddi Technologies is a cutting-edge clean energy company providing affordable and reliable energy solutions to underserved communities in Nigeria and across Africa. Reeddi's innovative energy-as-a-service model leverages smart technologies to deliver clean, safe, and sustainable energy through compact, portable capsules. These energy capsules are designed to address the continent's persistent energy challenges, particularly in off-grid and rural areas. By bridging the energy gap, Reeddi Technologies is driving economic development, improving quality of life, and contributing to environmental sustainability in Africa.