In 2017, Chibuikem Agbaegbu participated in IKEM Academy for the first time. The interdisciplinary exchange and discussions of innovative solutions at the Academy so inspired the renewable energy expert that he returned in 2018. The following summer, he came back to the Academy – this time, as a speaker. In his presentation to Academy participants, Chibuikem drew on his experiences in Nigeria to explain the social benefits that solar technology can provide, and discussed the opportunities and challenges of solar energy in off-grid communities.
Chibuikem’s story highlights the importance of international dialogue about climate- and energy-related issues. At the Academy, Chibuikem shared his knowledge with international colleagues and returned home with new ideas and experiences that he could apply to a local context. This gave rise to Nigeria’s first-ever graphic novel about the energy transition and solar energy. Inspired by the Infographic Energy Transition Coloring Book, his book aims to foster public acceptance and draw people of all ages into the dialogue around climate change.
Today, Chibuikem is Country Manager at the Africa Clean Energy Technical Assistance Facility (ACE TAF), a programme that promotes market-based approaches to renewable energy development.
In this video, he tells us more about the lasting impact that IKEM Academy has had on his work.