Husk Power Systems, a global energy technology company with operations across Asia and Africa, has appointed Ridwan Adelaja as its new Strategic Communications Manager, marking an addition to its marketing team as it expands renewable energy access.
Adelaja, a former Media Aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, brings over a decade of experience in journalism, public sector communications, and corporate storytelling.
His appointment speaks of Husk Power’s intention to strengthen its brand positioning and stakeholder engagement as it scales its clean energy footprint across the Global South.
“One question I have been asked repeatedly in the past weeks is what next? So, here is what is next —Renewable Energy. I have joined Husk Power, where I will be serving as Manager, Strategic Communications,” Adelaja wrote, announcing his new job on LinkedIn.
About Husk Power Systems
Husk Power Systems operates an AI-enabled Distributed Energy Resources (DER) platform designed to deliver affordable, reliable and renewable electricity to underserved and unserved communities in the Global South.
With 18 years of operational experience in Asia and six years in Africa, the company has established itself as the world’s largest private-sector owners and operators of mini-grids.
Its model integrates solar hybrid systems with smart metering and analytics to provide sustainable electricity to rural and peri-urban areas, where national grid expansion is often slow or economically unviable. Husk’s long-term ambition includes delivering 2GW of clean energy capacity across the Global South by 2030.
Energy access remains a pressing challenge across Africa, where more than 600 million people still lack reliable electricity. Husk’s operations seek to address this deficit by “planting the first bulbs” in communities that have historically been excluded from consistent power supply.
Who Is Ridwan Adelaja?
Ridwan Adelaja is a multimedia and public communications strategist with deep roots in journalism and strategic messaging across Africa’s media and technology ecosystems.
A trained newsroom journalist and chartered people manager, he has built a reputation for crafting compelling narratives that resonate across diverse stakeholders, from startups and business leaders to government agencies and regulators. His work over the past decade has focused on simplifying complex messages, strengthening institutional visibility, and positioning organisations as customer-focused and growth-oriented.
Earlier in his career, Adelaja worked in some of Nigeria’s leading newsrooms, including Nairametrics, Ventures Africa, Ripples Nigeria, Technext and Techparley Africa. As Managing Editor of Techparley Africa, he oversaw coverage of technology, innovation, venture capital, and economic development across the continent, authoring and editing thousands of stories that spotlighted Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As a reporter, he has written more than 2,000 articles covering startups, founders, policy developments, and innovation trends, earning recognition as a meticulous and impact-driven journalist.
Academically, Adelaja holds a degree in Pure and Applied Physics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and an Industry Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from James Pikes International, United Kingdom.
He is also a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria and a recipient of the 3rd Place award at the 2018 Korea-Nigeria Poetry Prize.
His Experience in Public Service
Before joining Husk Power Systems, Adelaja served as Media Aide to the incumbent Minister of Interior under the Office of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. In that capacity, he supported strategic media and communications efforts for key agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
These agencies included the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
His role required managing public messaging, media engagement, and stakeholder communication across institutions central to Nigeria’s internal security and identity infrastructure.
Colleagues describe his work as instrumental in simplifying official communication and improving public-facing engagement strategies.
How He Will Shape Husk Power’s Narrative
At Husk Power Systems, Adelaja’s mandate will centre on shaping the company’s strategic communications framework as it deepens its presence in Africa and Asia. This includes driving engagement with investors, government stakeholders, development partners, and host communities.
With renewable energy increasingly at the centre of global development discussions, effective communication has become critical to building trust, securing partnerships, and attracting capital. Adelaja’s newsroom background and public sector exposure equip him to translate complex energy infrastructure initiatives into accessible and compelling narratives.
“The reality is … bad, and unthinkable. But, at Husk, we are determined to bend the curve by “planting” the first bulb(s) in numerous rural communities,” he wrote, reflecting on the broader mission.
His appointment reflects a broader trend in Africa’s renewable energy sector, the growing recognition that storytelling and strategic positioning are as vital as technical innovation in driving sustainable development outcomes.
Why the Move Matters
Adelaja’s transition from government communications to renewable energy illustrates a career trajectory that bridges policy, media, and technology. It also signals Husk Power’s ambition to not only expand its infrastructure footprint but also strengthen its voice within the global clean energy conversation.
As the company pursues its 2030 clean energy target, the role of communications in amplifying impact, documenting progress, and mobilising stakeholder support will be pivotal.
In closing his announcement, Adelaja described the move as a personal and professional commitment.
“To anyone reading this, Husk is my new commitment. And, you will read from me from time to time on our progress,” Adelaja wrote.
For Husk Power, the appointment of a journalist and public communications strategist may prove instrumental in shaping how its electrification efforts are perceived, understood, and supported across the Global South.
With communications professionals like Adelaja on board, industry leaders say Husk Power is positioned to influence policy, attract investment, and engage communities in ways that purely technical solutions cannot achieve.
Talking Points
It is impressive that Ridwan Adelaja has transitioned from public service and journalism to a strategic communications role in the renewable energy sector, bringing his deep expertise in storytelling and media engagement to Husk Power.
This single career move positions Adelaja as a key driver in shaping how Husk Power communicates its mission, vision, and impact to investors, governments, and communities, highlighting his ability to translate complex energy and technology initiatives into compelling narratives.
At Techparley, we see how professionals like Adelaja (who was once on our team) can amplify the reach of critical projects. His experience covering startups, innovation, and policy across Africa equips him to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that electrification initiatives gain visibility and support.
His leadership in strategic communications will be essential in documenting Husk Power’s progress, celebrating milestones, and inspiring confidence in both partners and the communities being served.
With his multidisciplinary background, Adelaja is uniquely positioned to influence Africa’s renewable energy story while building awareness of the social and economic impact of mini-grids. As he continues in his role, Ridwan Adelaja represents a model of how media expertise can be leveraged to support sustainable development, driving both innovation and social impact in Africa and beyond.
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