Sunday, December 8African Digital Business Magazine

d.light Co-Founder and CEO Nedjip Tozun Recognized on 2024 TIME100 Climate List for Pioneering Clean Energy Access Impact

Nedjip Tozun, Co-Founder and CEO of d.light, has been honored with a spot on the prestigious *TIME100 Climate* list for 2024. This annual list highlights the world’s most influential leaders driving meaningful climate action and pioneering sustainable solutions across industries. Tozun’s inclusion recognizes his transformative work in expanding access to clean energy for underserved communities in Africa and Asia.

Since co-founding d.light in 2007 at Stanford University, Tozun has dedicated himself to providing affordable, off-grid clean energy solutions that empower lives and protect the planet. Under his leadership, d.light has positively impacted over 180 million people by delivering solar-powered products—ranging from home systems and lanterns to appliances—that have improved energy access and livelihoods. Through the company’s innovative pay-as-you-go platform, Atlas, d.light facilitates over 6 million transactions each month, ensuring that clean energy remains accessible and affordable to millions of people in some of the world’s most energy-deprived regions.

“We’re proud to see Nedjip’s unwavering commitment to bringing sustainable energy to remote communities recognized by *TIME*,” said Wayne Keast, Managing Partner of Inspired Evolution and d.light board member. “His vision is reshaping not just energy access, but also the future of health, opportunity, and climate resilience in regions hardest hit by the climate crisis.”

As a trailblazer in the off-grid clean energy space, Tozun has not only propelled d.light’s growth but has also influenced the broader energy sector. His leadership has positioned d.light as a trusted partner in the global fight against climate change, with the company standing as a model for sustainable development and scalable solutions in emerging markets. With a goal to impact 1 billion people by 2030, d.light continues to scale its operations and build strategic partnerships to meet the rising demand for clean energy solutions while addressing urgent climate challenges.

“I am deeply grateful to be included in the *TIME100* list,” Tozun said. “This recognition highlights the critical importance of equitable energy access in tackling climate change. At d.light, we believe that everyone, no matter where they live, deserves access to clean, affordable energy. I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done with our team, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

Tozun’s recognition comes shortly after d.light was named a finalist for the 2024 Earthshot Prize, a prestigious international environmental award founded by the UK’s Prince William to honor innovative solutions for repairing and regenerating the planet.

**About d.light**

Founded in 2007 at Stanford University in California, d.light is a global leader in providing affordable, life-changing products to low-income families around the world. With over 35 million products sold—including solar lanterns, solar home systems, TVs, radios, and smartphones—d.light has positively impacted the lives of 180 million people to date. In 2024, the company was honored as a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, an award established by Prince William to recognize innovative solutions for restoring and regenerating the planet. Looking ahead, d.light’s vision is to transform the lives of one billion people through sustainable, accessible products by 2030.