By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The co-founder and chief executive of d.light, Mr Nedjip Tozun, has been named in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list for transformative impact on clean energy access.
Since co-founding d.light in 2007 at Stanford University, Mr Tozun has led the company’s mission to empower lives through sustainable, affordable, off-grid clean energy solutions.
Under his leadership, the energy firm has reached over 180 million people, providing transformative products such as solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances, and connecting households and businesses to life-enhancing solar energy.
With a growing footprint across some of the world’s most energy-challenged regions, d.light’s innovative pay-as-you-go platform, Atlas, enables over 6 million transactions monthly, making clean energy accessible and affordable for millions.
As a pioneer in clean, off-grid energy solutions, Mr Tozun has not only driven unprecedented growth for d.light but has also challenged and changed the industry landscape.
His work has made d.light a trusted partner in the global climate effort, positioning the company as a model for sustainable development and scalable solutions in emerging markets.
With a goal of impacting one billion people by 2030, d.light continues to scale operations and forge partnerships to meet growing demand while addressing critical climate issues head-on.
“I’m truly grateful to be recognized by TIME for our work in advancing clean energy access.
“This acknowledgement underscores the urgent need to prioritize equitable access to clean energy as we tackle climate change.
“d.light’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to energy, and I am proud of what we have achieved together with our team, partners, and the communities we serve,” Mr Tozun said.
“We are honoured to see Nedjip’s dedication recognized by TIME as part of this esteemed Climate list.
“His passion for bringing clean energy to the most remote communities is reshaping the future of energy, health, and opportunity in regions where the climate crisis hits hardest,” a board member of d.light and Managing Partner of Inspired Evolution, Mr Wayne Keast, stated.
TIME’s annual climate list recognizes the world’s most innovative and impactful business leaders championing climate action and working toward a sustainable future.
Mr Tozun’s inclusion in the TIME100 Climate list highlights the impact of d.light’s work across Africa and elsewhere.
It follows d.light’s recent recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Earthshot Prize, the international environmental award founded by the UK’s Prince William that recognises groundbreaking sustainable solutions for repairing and regenerating the planet.
Adedapo Adesanya