Africa’s long struggle with unstable electricity has shaped the lives of millions, from Ghana’s recurring periods of “dumsor” to the frequent power disruptions in Nigeria that affect both homes and industries. A major development has now brought fresh hope to the continent.

Renewable energy expert and Director of Suhbed Enterprises, Sakiru Folarin Bello, has secured full patent approval for GridSage, a smart grid innovation he has spent many years developing. In this exclusive interview, Bello explains the purpose of GridSage, its potential impact, and what this milestone means for Africa.

Q: Many people across Ghana and Nigeria have experienced power instability for years. What inspired you to create GridSage?

Bello: The inspiration came from living and working within environments where electricity instability affects everything. I saw how blackouts harmed businesses, interrupted education, weakened healthcare systems, and slowed national progress. I wanted to develop a system built specifically for African realities and capable of providing real solutions. GridSage is the result of many years of research and a commitment to solving these challenges in a practical and sustainable way.

Q: Now that the patent has been approved, how would you describe the main function of GridSage?

Bello: GridSage is an intelligent smart grid system that stabilises electricity supply by making power distribution more responsive and more predictable. It uses artificial intelligence, renewable energy coordination, and adaptive control mechanisms to study energy patterns and anticipate changes in demand. This allows the system to distribute electricity efficiently, prevent sudden failures, and improve overall grid performance.

Q: How does GridSage stand apart from traditional power systems?

Bello: Traditional grids often fail completely if one part of the system develops a fault. GridSage was designed to avoid this. If a single module has a problem, the system isolates it while the rest continues to function. This self-protection ability prevents widespread blackouts.

In addition, GridSage uses modular renewable energy storage units that capture surplus energy and release it during peak demand. This supports renewable energy integration and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Q: Ghana has faced severe electricity shortages for many years. How could GridSage change things here?

Bello: Research shows that Ghana loses nearly two per cent of its GDP every year because of unreliable electricity. With GridSage, the power supply can become much more stable. Factories would operate without interruption, hospitals could function more reliably, students would be able to study without worrying about darkness, and households would spend far less on generator fuel. The improvement would be visible in both economic growth and daily life.

Q: What does this achievement mean for Nigeria and for Africa overall?

Bello: Africa has depended for too long on imported technologies that are expensive and often not suited to our conditions. GridSage is different because it was designed from the ground up to match African environments and economic realities. Now that the patent has been approved, it places Africa in a stronger position in the global smart grid industry. With the smart grid market projected to exceed two trillion dollars by 2030, Africa is now participating as an innovator rather than simply a consumer.

Q: What promise does GridSage offer to an ordinary family in Ghana or Nigeria?

Bello: The promise is a life with more stability and fewer interruptions. Families can have steady electricity for learning, working, and daily activities. Businesses can grow without the constant fear of power failure. Hospitals and schools can function with greater confidence. GridSage supports a more productive and secure way of living.

Q: Now that the patent has been approved, what does this milestone mean personally to you?

Bello: It is a powerful moment for me. This patent represents years of dedication, research, and belief in Africa’s potential to develop world-class solutions. GridSage is more than technology. It is a symbol of what can be achieved when local challenges are approached with innovation, persistence, and vision. I believe it marks the beginning of a new direction for Africa’s energy future, and I am proud to contribute to that progress.