Eunice Adewale is an Environmental Scientist and Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions, a clean energy startup that produces eco-friendly smokeless briquettes and stoves for households in off-grid and peri-urban communities. She specializes in renewable energy, IoT, biomass production, TEG technology and sustainable business solutions. Eunice has just won first place at the OD Impact Challenge. Read her story below and be inspired.
Background and Work
When my father passed away in 2021, along with the weight of grief, we faced an unexpected financial struggle. Unable to afford cooking with gas, my mother resorted to the ancient methods of cooking with firewood. As she prepared our meals, thick plumes of smoke filled our kitchen. And every time I stepped in to lend a hand, my frustration grew stronger. But amidst my exasperation, a moment of clarity dawned upon me. This wasn’t just our struggle; it was a reality for countless mothers across the world especially in rural communities in Nigeria where Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that over 98,000 Nigerian women die annually from smokes inhaled while cooking with firewood. Which is now the 3rd highest killer after Malaria and HIV. And Kerosene usage is the leading cause of Lung Cancer and Leukemia globally only 47% of tertiary students in Nigeria have consistent access to reliable electricity to charge their mobile phones and also study at Night.
Successes Thus Far
She began by experimenting with locally available agricultural waste to produce smokeless briquettes, testing prototypes, and engaging communities to ensure her solutions were practical and culturally acceptable. She has produced and distributed eco-friendly briquettes and smokeless stoves to households and institutions across Nigeria Developed a proprietary TEG Technology that converts heat from our stove into electricity for mobile phone charging and lighting, Won multiple awards, including the ACT Foundation Changemakers Innovation Prize and Nigeria Energy Forum Innovation Prize and empowered local women as agents in distribution and sales, creating economic opportunities in rural communities
Plans for the Future
Eunice plans to scale production, expand distribution networks across Nigeria and West Africa, and enhance our IoT system to generate carbon credits and promote sustainability while addressing energy poverty.
Challenges and Responses
Challenges included awareness, affordability, and adoption barriers among target communities. She overcame these by running community demonstrations, training local agents, and offering affordable pricing models, ensuring the solutions were accessible and practical.
Words of Advice for Young Changemakers
“Start with a problem you are deeply passionate about solving. Listen to the community you aim to serve, be patient, and persist despite challenges. Your impact grows when innovation meets practicality and empathy.”
You can reach Eunice, via, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin
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