Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu, a third-year Bachelor of Entrepreneurial Leadership student at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda, has just been crowned the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year. This prestigious accolade, awarded at the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work in London on March 12, 2025, celebrates his work in transforming waste into solar-powered solutions that are illuminating lives across Africa.
From Nigeria to Global Impact
Stanley hails from Anambra State in southeast Nigeria, a place where energy poverty was a daily reality during his childhood. This personal experience fueled his determination to create change. Now based in Rwanda as an ALU student, Stanley’s journey has been shaped by his African heritage and a world-class education. With studies in Entrepreneurial Leadership at ALU, he has honed the skills to turn his vision into action.
In 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanley founded LightEd, a startup that recycles electronic and plastic waste into affordable, solar-powered lighting systems. What began with a small team of like-minded young innovators has grown into a movement, providing clean energy to over 10,000 refugees, training 6,000 students in sustainable practices, and recycling more than 20,000 kilograms of waste. LightEd’s mission is simple yet profound: to make clean, reliable, and affordable power accessible to all — because, as Stanley puts it, “when you have power, you become empowered.”
Guests attend The Commonwealth Youth Awards 2025 held at Marlborough House in London on 12 March 2025.
A Vision Recognized Worldwide
Stanley’s efforts caught the attention of the Commonwealth, earning him not only the overall title of Young Person of the Year but also the top regional award for Africa, with a total prize of £5,000. At the ceremony held at Marlborough House, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC presented him with the award, praising his dual impact on energy access and environmental sustainability.
“Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities and refugees who face many hardships and disadvantages, but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution, leaving environments safer and cleaner for other young people,” Scotland said. “You are a true revolutionary—a visionary.”
Stanley’s response reflected his humility and ambition: “It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young change makers. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners.”
His accolades don’t stop there. Stanley has also been honored with the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor and a win at the World Bank Group Pitch Competition, testaments to the real-world impact of his work.
Stanley receiving award from Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC
The Power of LightEd
At its core, LightEd is about more than just lighting homes—it’s about illuminating futures. The startup targets underserved communities, including students, rural families, small businesses, and refugees, providing them with renewable energy solutions crafted from recycled materials. This innovative approach not only addresses energy poverty but also tackles climate change by reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Stanley’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advancing education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and inclusivity. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a green economy, LightEd is building a foundation for long-term change.
Regional winners at The Commonwealth Youth Awards 2025 held at Marlborough House in London.
A Personal Mission, A Global Movement
For Stanley, this is deeply personal. Growing up in Nigeria, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of unreliable electricity — students struggling to study after dark, families unable to power their homes, and businesses stunted by energy shortages. These experiences ignited his passion for technology as a force for good. “In a world deeply intertwined with technology, I am passionate about harnessing its potential for the greater good,” he says.
His education at ALU has been a catalyst, blending entrepreneurial leadership with a commitment to solving Africa’s biggest challenges. Stanley’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t require a big budget or a fancy title — just a bold idea and the courage to act.
