Trailblazing Nigerian energy expert Damilola Ogunbiyi has been named among the world’s top climate leaders in the 2026 TIME Earth list, in recognition of her impact on global clean energy transition efforts.
The annual TIME Earth Awards, now in its fourth edition, honours individuals driving meaningful action against climate change.
Ogunbiyi, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, was recognised for her role in advancing decarbonisation and expanding access to clean energy.
Reacting to the honour, Ogunbiyi emphasised the human impact of energy reforms, noting that the transition to clean power is fundamentally about improving lives.
“The energy transition is about people, families, and communities whose lives are transformed by reliable, clean power,” she said, highlighting progress across the Global South, including renewable energy advancements in countries like Pakistan and Kenya, as well as Nigeria’s growing distributed energy programmes.
Under her leadership, Sustainable Energy for All has partnered with over 200 organisations, supported more than 100 countries, and mobilised over $1.6 trillion in energy financing to accelerate global energy access and sustainability.
Before her global role, Ogunbiyi served as head of the Rural Electrification Agency, where she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project—a $550 million initiative that has delivered electricity access to more than eight million Nigerians through decentralised renewable energy systems.
Her latest recognition adds to a string of global honours, including her inclusion in the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders list and the 2024 TIME100 Climate list, where she was named among the world’s top climate influencers.
Ogunbiyi continues to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and partnerships aimed at ending energy poverty, boosting renewable energy adoption, and tackling climate change, particularly in developing regions.
