28 July 2026
Best of the Rest

Kaduna Startup Wins £1.5 Million for Expanding Solar Access


A Kaduna-based startup, Interface Africa, has won the £1.5 million top prize at the NextGen Innovation Challenge, held at London’s Hilton Paddington on Thursday. The company, led by Al’amin Muhammed Idris, impressed judges with its work in providing affordable solar financing to small businesses across Africa.


President Bola Tinubu congratulated Idris, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the “boundless innovative potential of Nigerian youths.” He highlighted the role of the award in helping Interface Africa expand access to clean energy in underserved communities, aligning with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.


The NextGen Innovation Challenge, organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London, brought together 105 innovators from across Nigeria, offering mentorship, investment opportunities, and a platform to showcase solutions addressing real-world problems.


President Tinubu also acknowledged the efforts of the other participants, urging them to continue developing ideas that improve lives and tackle societal challenges. For Idris and Interface Africa, the prize marks a significant step toward scaling sustainable energy solutions and turning youth-driven innovation into tangible impact.

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