Lighting the Off-Grid: How Olugbenga Olubanjo is Powering Nigeria with Recycled Laptop Cells

In Nigeria, the noise of diesel generators is the constant soundtrack of business; nevertheless, Olugbenga Olubanjo wanted to provide a silent, clean alternative. He developed Reeddi: a company that builds portable, "plug-and-play" solar batteries.

What makes Olugbenga a master maker is his "re-making" of technology. Many of the initial battery cells were salvaged from old laptop batteries; thereby reducing e-waste while lowering production costs. These capsules are charged at solar hubs and rented out to shopkeepers and students who cannot afford their own solar systems.

This "energy-as-a-service" model allows users to power lights, laptops, and fans without the fumes or the high cost of fuel.

Lessons Learned

1. Bridge the Affordability Gap. 2. E-Waste as a Resource. 3. The Power of Portability.