Olusegun Gbenga Odunaiya: A trailblazer in renewable energy access for Africa

Olusegun Gbenga Odunaiya is a dynamic force in the renewable energy industry, a visionary entrepreneur, and a prolific researcher who has dedicated his life to solving some of Africa’s most critical challenges—namely, energy poverty and sustainable development. Through his groundbreaking work as the Founder and CEO of Havenhill Synergy Limited, Odunaiya has transformed lives by bringing clean, reliable and sustainable energy to underserved communities across Nigeria. His leadership has not only revolutionized energy access but has also been a driving force in shaping the future of business development through innovative applications of digital transformation and renewable energy technologies.

Odunaiya’s journey into the renewable energy sector is underpinned by a strong academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, specializing in Solar Energy, from Bowen University in Nigeria. Recognizing that technological expertise needed to be paired with entrepreneurial savvy to drive meaningful change, Odunaiya furthered his education by completing an Executive Business and Entrepreneurship Program at Dartmouth College in 2014. This unique combination of technical and business education provided him with a holistic understanding of the renewable energy landscape and positioned him to tackle Africa’s energy challenges from both a scientific and entrepreneurial perspective.

Since founding Havenhill Synergy in 2010, Odunaiya has demonstrated his capacity for leadership and innovation. Under his guidance, the company has deployed over 30 solar mini-grids, bringing more than 2MW of renewable power to rural communities that previously had no access to reliable electricity. These projects have transformed entire communities by providing a stable power supply to homes, businesses, healthcare centers, and schools. For thousands of Nigerians, these solar mini-grids have been a lifeline, enabling better educational outcomes, more productive business operations, and improved healthcare services.

Odunaiya’s work extends beyond practical implementation; he is also a leading voice in renewable energy research. His studies have focused on understanding the challenges, opportunities, and strategic applications of renewable energy in both emerging and established markets. One of his most notable research contributions has been his exploration of how digital transformation is reshaping business development strategies. In 2024, Odunaiya co-authored “The Impact of Digital Transformation on Business Development Strategies: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities Analyzed,” published in the World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. This paper has been widely cited for its comprehensive analysis of how digital transformation is affecting businesses, shedding light on both the challenges and potential solutions for organizations navigating the shift to digital technologies.

Odunaiya’s research into digital transformation didn’t stop there. His interest in how startups can thrive in a digital-first world led to the publication of “Navigating the Digital Transformation Journey: Strategies for Startup Growth and Innovation in the Digital Era” in the International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research. This paper provided crucial insights into how emerging companies can leverage digital tools to drive innovation and growth, offering strategies that have been especially valuable for technology-driven startups in Africa and beyond.

Perhaps one of the most impactful pieces of research conducted by Odunaiya has been his exploration of renewable energy adoption among multinational energy companies. In “Renewable Energy Adoption in Multinational Energy Companies: A Review of Strategies and Impact,” Odunaiya delved into how large global corporations are integrating renewable energy into their operations. The findings of this study have been particularly influential as they offer a comprehensive look at the strategies multinational companies are employing to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This research has gained traction in the energy sector, offering valuable insights into the financial, environmental, and operational benefits of renewable energy adoption.

Odunaiya’s research has not only contributed to academic knowledge but has also had direct practical applications in his work with Havenhill Synergy. His studies on the economics and scalability of solar energy have informed the company’s approach to deploying solar mini-grids in rural Nigeria. These mini-grids provide more than just electricity—they offer economic opportunities, improve quality of life, and serve as a model for sustainable rural development. His research on energy storage solutions, for instance, has allowed Havenhill to optimize the use of solar PV systems, ensuring that rural communities have reliable power, even during periods of low solar generation and most especially, at nights.

A key area where Odunaiya’s research has made a tangible impact is in healthcare electrification. He has long recognized that energy poverty in Nigeria extends beyond homes and businesses to vital services like healthcare. Under his leadership, Havenhill Synergy has electrified more than 65 healthcare facilities across Nigeria, ensuring that these centers have consistent power to operate essential medical equipment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this became particularly crucial, as hospitals and healthcare centers relied on uninterrupted power to operate ventilators, refrigeration for vaccines, and other life-saving equipment. One of Odunaiya’s flagship projects was the electrification of 21 primary healthcare centers in Oyo State, Nigeria which involved deploying 10kWp solar PV systems and 10kWh energy storage solutions. These systems drastically improved healthcare delivery by ensuring that power outages no longer disrupted medical services.

Odunaiya’s research-driven approach also extends to commercial and industrial applications. He has spearheaded projects that bring renewable energy to businesses, reducing their operational costs and carbon footprints. Havenhill Synergy successfully installed 1MW solar PV systems at prominent commercial sites like Ado Bayero Mall in Kano and Fan Milk Plc in Oyo State. These projects exemplify how Odunaiya has successfully merged his research insights with business development strategies, showing companies how they can adopt renewable energy solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Securing international partnerships and funding has been a hallmark of Odunaiya’s leadership at Havenhill Synergy. His ability to attract global investment is a testament to both his entrepreneurial expertise and his research credentials. One of his early milestones was receiving the YALI USADF Grant Award in 2014, which provided $25,000 to develop Havenhill’s first off-grid solution. This success paved the way for future achievements, including securing over $18 million in funding from international agencies such as the World Bank and USAID Power Africa. In 2020, Havenhill Synergy received grant funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to conduct feasibility studies for off-grid electrification projects in 110 Nigerian communities.

Odunaiya’s work has not gone unrecognized. In 2019, Havenhill Synergy was selected as one of the top 100 clean-tech startups globally by the Startup Energy Transition (SET) program. This recognition highlighted the innovative impact of Odunaiya’s work in renewable energy and clean technology. His personal accolades include numerous invitations to speak at international conferences, where he has shared his expertise on renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices.

Olusegun Gbenga Odunaiya is more than just a successful entrepreneur—he is a thought leader, researcher, and innovator who is actively shaping the future of energy access and sustainable business development in Africa. His pioneering work in renewable energy, coupled with his deep commitment to academic research, positions him as a key figure in the global conversation on sustainability, energy transition, and digital transformation. As he continues to lead Havenhill Synergy, Odunaiya’s research and entrepreneurial efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, bringing clean energy, economic opportunity, and sustainable development to communities across Nigeria and beyond. His vision is clear: to eliminate energy poverty, foster innovation, and ensure a sustainable future for Africa.