In a world where access to reliable and sustainable energy is still a challenge in many communities, Green Energy United (GEU) is leading the way in providing life-changing clean energy solutions. Co-founded by Lilian Aremu, GEU is on a mission to empower underserved communities across Africa by promoting the adoption of clean cooking and lighting technologies. With products like the Kike Clean Cookstove and solar-powered systems, GEU is not only reducing carbon emissions but also creating economic opportunities for individuals to improve their lives. In this interview, Lilian Aremu shares her journey and how GEU is transforming the green energy landscape, one community at a time.

1. Can you introduce yourself and your role at Green Energy United Opportunity (GEU)?

My name is Lilian Aremu, and I am the Co-founder of Green Energy United (GEU). GEU is a social enterprise spun off from SMEFUNDS, focused on last-mile distribution of clean energy technologies to underserved communities. As Vice President and Business Manager, I lead strategy, partnerships, and program development. Our mission is simple but powerful—empower individuals through green business, drive clean energy adoption, and accelerate grassroots impact across Africa. We distribute life-changing products such as the Kike Clean Cookstove, biofuel gel, solar home systems, solar-powered freezers, and other energy-efficient solutions. These are safe, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and designed to eliminate indoor air pollution and the risks of traditional cooking methods.

2. GEU’s model is centered around Climate Credit Earnings. Can you explain how it works and how it benefits independent distributors?

At GEU, we built a unique Climate Credit Earnings system to turn everyday clean energy adoption into an income-generating opportunity. Our Green Ambassadors—independent distributors—earn Climate Credits by promoting clean cooking and lighting products, making referrals, building teams, and actively engaging on our platform. These credits are not just symbolic—they are monetizable and can be converted into cash or redeemed for products, upgrades, or exciting incentives like smartphones, laptops, vehicles, or international trips. It’s a climate-action meets entrepreneurship model, designed to inspire ambition while tackling carbon emissions.

3. How does the Climate Credit model support the clean cookstove initiative and fight climate change?

Our model makes climate action tangible. Every clean cookstove adopted prevents carbon emissions from traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood. Through peer-to-peer promotion, Green Ambassadors spread awareness, facilitate adoption, and earn credits as they help others transition to safer alternatives. It’s a decentralized solution to climate change—empowering everyday people to be part of the solution while improving livelihoods and community health.

4. What impact have your clean cookstoves had on low-income households, both environmentally and economically?

The numbers tell a powerful story:

• Over 1 million Kike cookstoves distributed
• 1,449 direct jobs created
• Over 46,000 indirect jobs supported
• More than 42,750 grassroots entrepreneurs empowered
• 70% of beneficiaries are women
• Indoor air pollutants reduced by up to 85%
• Over 800,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions offset

These figures reflect real impact—improved health, financial empowerment, and environmental restoration—especially for low-income households often left behind by energy transitions.

5. Can you share a success story of a distributor who earned Climate Credits while helping their community transition to clean energy?

One standout is Ambassador Irene Adepitan. A long-time asthma sufferer, her health dramatically improved after switching to our Kike Cookstove and biofuel gel. Inspired by her personal transformation, she built a thriving network of ambassadors, earns consistent Climate Credit bonuses, and even qualified to represent Nigeria at a UN Climate Conference in Mexico. Her journey exemplifies how personal empowerment and climate action go hand-in-hand.

6. How does GEU track and verify Climate Credits to ensure transparency and accountability?

Our platform is fully tech-enabled. Every ambassador has a personalized digital dashboard where they can track referrals, purchases, bonuses, qualifications, and more—all in real-time. This transparency ensures trust and builds a culture of accountability. It’s a digital ecosystem that rewards activity and integrity.

7. Many clean cookstoves fail to gain mass adoption due to affordability or accessibility. How does GEU address these challenges?

We address these barriers through innovative financing and distribution models.

• Energy Finance Programs (EFP): Zero-interest startup loans through CSR partnerships.
• EcoSaver Plan: Affordable biofuel subscription with doorstep delivery.
• Quarterly Promotions: Discounted prices, reward campaigns, and bundle offers.
  Most importantly, our ambassadors earn enough to afford the products themselves, creating a self-sustaining adoption loop.

8. What role do corporate or international partners play in supporting your initiatives?

Partners are the lifeblood of our scale. Corporate CSR programs and international collaborations provide funding, product access, and strategic amplification. Their involvement has helped us reach thousands more households and empower women, youth, and underserved populations with clean energy solutions.

9. What challenges has GEU faced in implementing the Climate Credit model alongside clean cookstove distribution, and how have you addressed them?

We’ve faced hurdles like:

• High logistics and transportation costs
• Packaging and branding expenses
• Forex volatility and import taxes
  To tackle these, we’ve:
• Activated local Green Ambassadors in every zone to reduce delivery costs
• Launched a biofuel refill model to minimize packaging and waste
• Introduced a bottle return policy to promote recycling and circular economy practices
  We’re also actively advocating for government incentives to further reduce costs for clean fuels.

10. What challenges has GEU faced in implementing the Climate Credit model alongside clean cookstove distribution, and how have you addressed them?

Our strategy includes:

• Expanding partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private firms
• Scaling up digital outreach through social media and WhatsApp marketing
• Weekly capacity-building trainings for new and existing ambassadors
  We believe in building networks, not just selling products—so our scale is organic, community-led, and deeply impactful.

11. For individuals or organizations interested in participating as distributors, partners, or beneficiaries-how can they get involved?

It’s simple to join.
✅ Email: info@gebiofuels.com
✅ WhatsApp/Phone: +234 704 238 3761

Our team will guide you through a smooth onboarding process. Whether you’re an individual seeking impact or an organization looking to make a difference, GEU is the platform where green ambition meets opportunity.