An energy professional, an electricity law and policy expert, and an exceptional commercial lawyer with over 10 years of experience.
I am Chinenye Ajayi – an energy professional, electricity law and policy expert, and accomplished commercial lawyer with over 12 years of experience advising governments, project developers, and financiers on policy, development and financing of power and infrastructure projects across Africa. My work lies at the intersection of law, policy, and sustainability, with a strong focus on enabling projects that expand energy access, foster economic development, and transform lives. I bring deep expertise in the legal, commercial, and regulatory frameworks that govern infrastructure development, and I’m passionate about delivering strategic, bespoke solutions that drive real-world impact.
As a sustainability advocate and entrepreneur, I am the Founder and CEO of Solfa Power Limited, a clean energy company dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and accessible solar power solutions to homes and businesses across the continent. Our mission is to reduce energy poverty and build a future where no one is left in the dark. Beyond business, I am deeply committed to impact-driven leadership and purpose-based mentoring. I founded Graced Energy Professionals for Africa (GEPA)a growing faith-based community of energy professionals passionate about delivering divine solutions to Africa’s energy challenges. Through GEPA, we are building a generation of technically sound, spiritually grounded, and ethically driven professionals.
I am also the visionary behind the Reignite Mentorship Programme—an 8-week discipleship and accountability initiative designed to help Christian professionals rekindle their intimacy with God. Through guided mentorship, scripture-based teaching, and prayer, the program helps participants rediscover their faith, consistency, and divine calling. In 2022, I served as a United Nations Representative for Ariel Foundation International and co-chaired a summit under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the theme “Energy and Environment: Diverse Perspectives, Challenges, and Way Forward.” My paper, “Boosting Investment Towards Access to Clean Energy,” was featured in the Winter 2022 edition of Re.engineer Magazine.
Over the years, I have led and participated in several high-level speaking engagements, advocacy campaigns, and paper presentations on pressing topics such as energy transition, electricity market reform, renewable energy finance, and sustainable development. A strong believer in capacity building and youth empowerment, I have served as the Coordinator of the African Fellowship of Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL)—a platform investing in the next generation of energy leaders working toward a zero-carbon Africa. I also serve as Vice President, Projects at the Energy Institute Young Professionals Network (YPN). At the core of everything I do is a deep love for God, a passion for people, and an unrelenting belief that Africa’s energy problems are solvable—with the right people, policies, and purpose.
I am happily married to Mr. Abidemi Ajayi, and we are blessed with three amazing children who continue to inspire my pursuit of legacy and leadership.
About Me
Chinenye Ajayi is the first child of six children. She was born and raised in Kano State, where she completed her primary and secondary education. Her parents, both devoted Christians and business owners, laid the foundation of her faith in God and instilled strong values that continue to shape her path. After a two-year delay, Chinenye gained admission to study Law at the prestigious University of Jos in Plateau State, where she graduated top of her class. She then proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus, and graduated with a 2nd Class Upper degree.
Her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year took her to Ugep, a vibrant town in Cross River State, where she had a deeply enriching experience in 2012. Upon returning to Lagos in 2013, she began her legal career in commercial law with some involvement in litigation.
In 2017, she transitioned into the energy sector, where she has since been building capacity and creating meaningful impact. Through strategic growth, legal advocacy, and a heart for development, Chinenye continues to make her mark in the African energy space—one stride at a time.
My Mission
To be a transformative leader who advances sustainable energy access in Africa through purpose-led entrepreneurship, legal expertise, and policy advocacy; while inspiring individuals—especially professionals of faith—to live out their calling with excellence, integrity, and impact.
I am committed to building systems that work, mentoring others to rise with values, and championing solutions that create both eternal and earthly value.
Awards & Recognitions
- Recommended Lawyer – Legal 500 EMEA Rankings 2024 for expertise in Banking and Finance; Real Estate & Construction.
- Leading Hero of Renewable Energy – Recognised by the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.
- Heroes Role Model Recognition 2024 – Awarded by INvolve (The Inclusion People) and supported by YouTube.
- Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Law – University of Jos · August 2012.
- Best Female Counsel – Juris Consult, Faculty of Law, University of Jos.
Certificates & Professional Training
- Certificate of Proficiency – My ESQ Legal (Energy Academy, 2019)
- Member – Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)
- Legal and Risk Aspects of Derivatives and CCP Clearing Transactions – The Nigerian Stock Exchange
- Financing Agreement and Documentation in Project Finance – Commercial Law Development Services Ltd
- Advanced Loan Documentation School – My ESQ Legal
- Solar PV Entrepreneurship Course – Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI)
- Renewable Energy: Understanding the Basics – RETTI
- Investing in Quality Infrastructure for a Green, Inclusive and Resilient Recovery – World Bank via EDX
- Certificate in Business Management – European Business Institute of Luxembourg
- Turnkey EPC Contracts – Redcliffe Training
- Executive Course: Regulation of the Power Sector – Florence School of Regulation, Italy
- Issued by – Juris Consult, Faculty of Law, University of Jos
- Kudirat Abiola Women Initiative Empowerment Programme – Kudirat Abiola Initiative
Career Progression
Managing Counsel/Team Lead, Energy and Infrastructure
- Provide regulatory and policy consultancy services to governments and international organisations on energy and infrastructure projects.
- Legal support for Cross River State Government in drafting and reviewing Electricity Law.
- Reviewed electricity regulations for Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
- Advised a consortium of 10 licensed electricity distribution companies on compliance and market participation.
- Advised on project structuring, financing, and licensing for thermal and renewable energy initiatives across Africa.
- Advising an international DFI on preferred equity investment in a renewable energy mini-grid developer.
- Advising on establishment of integrated energy supply network in Northern Nigeria under a new sub-franchise model.
- Legal advisor to GIZ and CoMSSA on climate-friendly energy projects in Nigeria.
- Supported Nigerian companies in power plant acquisition bids from NDPHC and BPE.
- Legal counsel on infrastructure debt fund financing for solar mini-grids in 22 communities in Oyo State.
- Consultant for Heinrich Boll Stiftung on Power Consumers Assistance Fund legal framework.
Associate Partner
- Team Lead for Corporate/Commercial and Electricity Practice; oversaw over 20 staff across firm and subsidiaries.
- Legal advisor for the review of Lagos State Environmental Bill.
- Transaction counsel on ₦10 billion bond raise for Lagos waste management infrastructure.
- Legal counsel to project developers on thermal power development and regulatory compliance.
Manager/Editor
- Writer and contributor to the Electricity Digest.
- Compiled and supervised electricity sector case law reports for publication.
- Coordinated editorial reviews and legal commentary for the Electricity Law Reports.
Entrepreneurship
Co-Founder
Chinenye Ajayi is an entrepreneur within the energy space who is passionate about the achievement of SDG7 (clean, affordable and reliable energy) and the need to end energy poverty in Africa.
Solfa Power is focused on solving the unreliable power supply problem for many individuals, homes, and businesses with the provision of electricity through clean energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable, and designed to meet the energy consumption needs of our customers.
Headquartered in Nigeria, Solfa Power has a middle- to long-term plan to expand across Africa. Its mission is to champion the energy transition by providing innovative and affordable energy solutions through a motivated team, while upholding the highest standards of quality, customer service, and execution.
Founder
A platform established to assist lawyers in developing the technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence required to become exceptional legal professionals and thought leaders in the industry.
Faith & Purpose
Chinenye Ajayi is a bold lover of God whose passion for Christ is deeply inspiring. Stirred by Ephesians 2:10 (AMP), she believes that God has embedded in us unique potentials, gifts, and divine purpose to impact the world for good. This revelation has become a compass, urging her to go beyond comfort and pursue God's calling with intentionality and devotion.
Despite graduating top of her class, she once battled low self-esteem. In the early years of marriage, she faced emotional struggles—feeling lost in the routines of life: work, parenting, home-making. It pushed her into God’s presence where she discovered deeper meaning. Everything changed when she began to walk in her identity in Christ and saw what she could accomplish through Him.
Her journey of rediscovery has become a clarion call to others: to recognise they were made for more. This birthed Re-Ignite, a vision-driven platform designed to help young people burn passionately for God, embrace their potential, and boldly express their purpose in the world.
With a strong footprint in the energy sector, Chinenye also recognised a profound gap—a lack of faith-based community within the industry. This inspired the founding of GEPA (Graced Energy Professionals for Africa), a network committed to raising men and women of excellence who partner with God to solve Africa’s energy problems while advancing the Kingdom of God in the marketplace.
Her faith continues to serve as the root of her leadership, influence, and impact—challenging professionals to rise with purpose, character, and divine fire.
Volunteering & Impact
Represents AFI at high-level United Nations events, advocating for energy and environmental issues. Co-convenes the AFI Annual Energy and Environment Summit and works with young African leaders to amplify voices on key continental matters.
Sources articles from thought leaders across Nigeria’s power sector, edits submissions, and contributes original pieces. Supports industry knowledge dissemination and promotes informed conversations through the Electricity Digest.
Compiles, reviews, and analyses landmark electricity-related case law decisions for the Electricity Law Reports—an essential legal resource within the Nigerian energy sector.
Leads initiatives to build a vibrant network of young professionals in Nigeria's energy sector. Provides platforms for learning, mentorship, career advancement, and sector-wide capacity building.
Coordinates the African Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL), focused on raising the next generation of renewable energy professionals. Organises webinars, events, and learning experiences to promote a zero-carbon Africa through education and innovation.
Speaking Engagements & Media Features
Co-chaired the maiden edition hosted by Ariel Foundation International and presented a paper titled “Boosting Investment Towards Clean Energy Access in Africa.”
Watch ExcerptGives insights into the soon-to-be-launched compendium of court decisions on electricity matters.
Watch VideoFeatured as a young energy professional shaping Africa's energy future in this special LinkedIn article series.
Read ArticleSpoke on stakeholder engagement and opportunities within Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.
Watch PresentationWatch Interview Clip
Co-developed a mini-grid community engagement solution during this global competition in The Netherlands.
Read MoreProvided strategic insights on developing bankable mini-grid projects across Africa.
Watch on YouTubeSpoke about clean energy access, energy leadership and legal frameworks in Nigeria’s power sector.
Watch InterviewArticles & Publications
Podcasts & Featured Publications
Career Progression
Lagos State, Nigeria
- Managing Associate (2024 till date)
- Team Lead, Power and Infrastructure Practice (2023-2024)
- Senior Associate (2022-2023)
Works with the team to provide legal and business advisory services to clients within the electricity sector, particularly in the renewable energy space and infrastructure.
My expertise extends to policy/regulation, transaction structuring, project finance, drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, and obtaining licenses and permits from Regulators within the power sector in Nigeria and Africa.
Associate Partner (2019-2021)
- I played a key role in the dispute resolution between an international gas company and the Federal Government at an international arbitration in the United Kingdom.
- I have also acted as transaction counsel to a power project for the supply, operation and maintenance of a 5MW power plant for an Estate in Lekki, Lagos.
- I advised on the design, construction and operation of a hybrid electricity generating system in Ondo State to supply electric power to public utilities and communities in Ondo State. I have also reviewed and advised on a power purchase agreement for the proposed supply of 3MW power to Delta State University Teaching Hospital and 500kWH power to a school in Lekki, Lagos State.
Head of Chambers (2018- 2019)
- I acted as transaction counsel to a power company with respect to an independent power project for a state government in Nigeria. I also led the team that structured and advised a renewable energy company in raising funds from the capital market.
- In my supervisory role, I led the team that provided regulatory and compliance services to a plethora of clients and was involved in the restructuring of several companies in Nigeria and abroad.
Senior Associate (2017- 2018)
- In this role, I led the team that acted for a client providing utility services to the Lagos State Government in respect of a 50 billion Naira corporate bond in the form of medium-term notes.
- I supervised the team that acted as solicitors to the issue to a company in a public offer by book building; and was part of the team engaged in the dispute resolution between an international gas company and the Federal Government at an international arbitration in the United Kingdom.
- Also, I led the team that structured an equipment finance lease for an oil drilling equipment to the tune of over $900,000 (Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars) between a United States-based company and an indigenous oil company. My team also assisted a multinational company set up board structures in line with international best practices.
Associate lawyer (Jan 2016- Apr 2017)
- As an Associate Lawyer, I was part of the team that advised a foreign oil and gas firm on a proposed equipment lease contract and was involved in the restructuring of several companies within and outside Nigeria.
- I was involved in the legal documentation of a joint venture between multinational waste management companies and an indigenous waste management company.
- Another achievement in this role includes being part of the legal team that reviewed the proposed harmonised Environmental Bill of Lagos State.
- My work in this role cuts across litigation, drafting and filing of court processes, representing clients in mediation and arbitration sessions, and real estate transactions.
- I conducted pre-trial proceedings and represented clients at the State High Court in various land disputes. I was part of the legal team representing a local community at the Court of Appeal over a land dispute.
- I also represented a renowned political party at the Federal High Court over an intraparty dispute and a client at the National Industrial Court over a wrongful dismissal by an agency of the Cross River State Government.
- I also reviewed and advised Clients on agreements, including Lease Agreements, Credit Facility Agreements, Deeds of Mortgage, and Deeds of Assignment amongst others. I handled the incorporation of various companies and businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission, restructuring of companies and other compliance matters as well as trademark registrations.
BUSINESS
Co-Founder, Solfa Power Limited
Solfa Power is focused on solving the unreliable power supply problem for many individuals, homes and businesses with the provision of electricity through clean energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable,
and designed to meet the energy consumption needs of our customers. SPL is headquartered in Nigeria, with a middle to long-term plan to expand across Africa.
The mission of Solfa Power Limited is to champion the energy transition by providing innovative and affordable energy solutions through a motivated team to our customers, whilst maintaining the highest standard of quality, excellent customer service and efficient execution/delivery of our products and services.
- Solfa Power provides clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.
- The company is based in Nigeria with plans to expand across Africa.
- Their mission is to deliver innovative energy solutions with excellent service.
Exxcel Business Law Hub
A platform established to assist lawyers develop the technical knowledge, skill, and confidence required to become exceptional lawyers.
FAITH
Chinenye Ajayi is a bold lover of God whose passion for God is enviable. Stirred by Ephesians 2: 10 (AMP), She believes that God has deposited in us potentials, abilities and purpose which he has designed for us to impact our world with. This knowledge and revelation have driven her to explore and stretch beyond her comfort zone to be all that God wants her to be, which gets clearer as she grows in intimacy.
Despite being intelligent and top in her class, she battled low self-esteem. She almost went into depression in the early years of marriage, she was tired of the monotonous routines of eating, tending to children, going to work and everything in between. This drove her into God’s presence desiring for more and her life changed for the better when she understood who she was in Christ and what she could do through Christ. When she discovered her purpose, it became a mandate to help everyone around her see that they were made for more, inspiring them to be better versions of themselves and impacting their world.
She observed that a lot of young people are busy but only a few are living a happy and fulfilling life, hence the vision to set up Re-Ignite. The purpose of Re-Ignite is to challenge everyone, young ones in particular to come to a point where their hearts are on fire for God perpetually desiring God, they discover their unique potential and purpose and are pumped with a drive to go into the world and express that potential.
- Energy
- Environment and Climate
- Leadership and Self Development
- Commercial Law
