The Time for Africa (TFA) Foundation, a Nigerian-led development organisation, has been honoured with a prestigious international award for its transformative work across the continent.
A Prestigious Recognition at the UK Parliament
On 17 January 2026, the TFA Foundation received the Global South Sustainability Award during a ceremony held at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. The award was presented by Member of Parliament Louie French and Lord Roger Evans. This recognition came at the conclusion of the Global South Maritime Heritage Summit, which gathered 115 participants from government, academia, and industry across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The award specifically celebrates TFA's significant financial and developmental impact, highlighting its unique model that merges sustainability, technology, and inclusive financing. The foundation's multi-sector approach spans critical areas including clean energy, health, agriculture, climate resilience, and digital finance.
Impactful Programmes Driving Change Across Africa
Under the leadership of Dr Abiodun Olushola, TFA has implemented a suite of community-based programmes designed to improve livelihoods while tackling environmental and social challenges head-on.
One of its flagship projects is the Clean Cookstove Programme, which has provided energy-efficient stoves to over 50,000 households in rural Nigeria. This initiative directly reduces household fuel consumption and cuts dangerous indoor air pollution.
The foundation's innovative portfolio extends far beyond this, featuring several other key interventions:
- Deploying waste-to-energy systems that convert agricultural and municipal waste into electricity and thermal energy for off-grid communities.
- Leading mangrove restoration and sustainable aquaculture projects under its Blue Economy programme.
- Promoting food security through initiatives that support climate-resilient farming practices.
- Expanding access to healthcare in remote areas through mobile medical services.
Technological innovation is at the core of TFA's operations. In partnership with Smartware Innovations, the foundation utilises blockchain-based systems to ensure transparent payments, track impact, and manage digital identities for beneficiaries.
Future Plans and a Model for Sustainable Development
Following the award ceremony, Dr Olushola stated that this recognition validates TFA's approach of combining cutting-edge technology with deep community engagement to achieve lasting, sustainable outcomes.
Looking ahead, the foundation has announced ambitious plans to extend its successful programmes to more African countries. This expansion will place a stronger emphasis on building climate resilience, scaling up renewable energy solutions, and forging strategic partnerships with academic institutions and the private sector.
The award not only spotlights the impactful work of one organisation but also serves as a powerful testament to the potential of African-led solutions in addressing the continent's most pressing development challenges.
