In a world where over 700 million people still lack access to reliable electricity, the GOGLA 2025 Annual General Meeting in Nairobi stood as a powerful convening of visionaries, disruptors, and leaders determined to change that narrative. The event brought together industry stakeholders, innovators, investors, and policymakers to confront the most urgent questions facing the off-grid energy sector and explore new strategies to scale access sustainably, equitably, and boldly.
At the heart of this transformative gathering was the Group Chief Executive Officer of Baobab+, Kolawole Oshinowo who was attending the GOGLA 2025 AGM for the first time with a message rooted in candor, collaboration, and execution.
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Oshinowo, a seasoned business strategist with experience across Nokia, Microsoft, HMD Global, and Jumia, participated in a high-level plenary session titled “How the Off-Grid Industry is Maturing and Positioned to Scale,” moderated by Hendrik Hoelzer. The panel did more than share insights—it fostered a space for difficult but necessary conversations.
“This session wasn’t just about data or updates, it was about radical honesty,” said Oshinowo. “We asked tough questions and tackled the real challenges of scaling with sustainability. From FX volatility to fragmented subsidies, we confronted the elephants in the room.”
As CEO of Baobab+ Nigeria, Oshinowo brings a deep commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and inclusive energy access. Under his leadership, Baobab+ has launched Pay-as-you-go solar solutions, hybrid green loans, and clean cooking products distributed through a vast agent network spanning over 30 rural and urban communities in Nigeria. The company’s mission is to deliver not just energy, but also digital tools and credit access that empower underserved populations.
“At Baobab+, we’re driving sustainability by doubling down on customer engagement and using data to optimize our product portfolios,” he said. “Our vertical integration with BioLite is a game-changer, giving us better control over innovation, cost, and quality across the value chain.”
He also aligned Baobab+’s growth strategy with Mission 300, GOGLA’s ambitious roadmap to provide clean energy solutions to 300 million people by 2030.
“Mission 300 is a bold, shared ambition. For Baobab+, it’s an opportunity to expand deeper into underserved markets, grounded in operational excellence,” Oshinowo noted.
Amid global economic pressures, he acknowledged that while capital inflows may be tightening, the off-grid sector has an opportunity to mature through smarter, more disciplined business models.
“Capital is evolving. Smart unit economics, viable business models, and disciplined execution will define who scales and who doesn’t,” he emphasized.
Following the AGM, Oshinowo joined the Acumen Energy Summit as a 2025 Acumen Academy Candidate Fellow. There, the spirit of transparency continued, as leaders named and unpacked the barriers holding the sector back.
“What struck me most was the openness. We didn’t shy away from the hard truths—we named them and worked through them,” he said. “That’s the kind of leadership this sector needs to thrive.”
He also had the opportunity to share Baobab+’s story during the Paygo Workshop hosted by GOGLA and PAYGo Lab. The session highlighted the value of peer-to-peer learning in a rapidly evolving space.
“The challenges may differ from region to region, but our shared commitment to delivering impact unites us,” he said.
GOGLA is a central hub for the sector, offering vital market data, advocating for supportive policies and increased investment, and providing value-added services to its members. Its 200 members are currently serving more than 560 million people with clean, affordable, and high-quality solar products and services to power their homes, farms, enterprises, and public infrastructure. With the right support, the industry is poised to scale rapidly, aiming to improve the lives of 1 billion people by 2030.
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A multi-degree holder, Oshinowo earned a bachelor’s degree in Electronics/Computer Engineering from Lagos State University, a Master’s in International Business Management from the University of Cumbria, an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris, and an MBA from Imperial College Business School, London. He is currently a Doctoral Researcher at De Montfort University, UK, where his research focuses on the digital economy and inclusive fintech in Sub-Saharan Africa.
As Baobab+ continues to lead in delivering clean energy and financial empowerment, Oshinowo remains resolute in his belief that real transformation lies ahead.
“This is a pivotal moment for energy access,” he concluded. “What we do next, with collaboration, candor, and execution excellence, will determine whether we merely participate in the future or help shape it.”
