Clean energy innovator Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, a 2005 graduate of Radford University, is returning to campus as the keynote speaker for Radford’s 2025 Spring Commencement, the university announced Friday.
Ceremonies are May 9 and 10, featuring remarks from Osei-Sarpong, the founder and CEO of RIFE International. It’s a clean tech and sustainability firm based in the area of Washington, D.C., with offices in Africa and operations in Asia and Europe.
“I’ve always had a passion for solving problems — not just to fix what’s broken, but because it speaks to a deeper part of me that’s wired to create solutions, bring clarity to complexity and drive meaningful change,” Osei-Sarpong said in the university announcement. “Whether in business, sustainability, or community impact, I find purpose in identifying challenges and turning them into opportunities to make a real difference.”
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He arrived in the U.S. as a teenager from Ghana.
“His work has taken him around the globe, including an appointment to the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa,” the university announcement said. “He has also advised the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he served on the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee.”
Osei-Sarpong said he credits Radford with shaping his future.
“Radford University gave me the foundation to tap into that innate calling, dream big, lead boldly and serve globally,” Osei-Sarpong said.
“Returning to deliver the commencement address is an incredible honor, and I hope to inspire graduates to embrace purpose-driven leadership and use their talents to create a better world.”
Osei-Sarpong’s company has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, Apple, Bank of America, the Smithsonian Institution and several universities.
“His impact spans sectors and continents, but he remains closely tied to Radford, where he serves on the advisory board for the Davis College of Business and Economics,” the university announcement said. “His extensive board advisory roles also include The World Trade Center Institute Board, Maryland Clean Energy Council, Forbes Business Council and MD/DC District Export Council, among others.”
Radford President Bret Danilowicz said Osei-Sarpong’s success and commitment to service make him a fitting choice for this year’s commencement speaker.
“This is a powerful full-circle moment for Kwabena, returning to deliver the Radford University commencement address 20 years after he walked across the same stage on Moffett Quad as a new graduate,” Danilowicz said. “His message-centered on service, sustainability, and the transformative power of everyday experiences-will no doubt inspire our graduates and their families as they prepare to make their own mark on the world.”
Osei-Sarpong has been named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Persons, and received awards for energy innovation. He is also a mentor, leadership coach and philanthropist whose company supports education initiatives for under-served communities in the United States and Africa, the announcement said.
In 2021, he received Radford’s Outstanding Alumnus Award. He also met his wife, Aurielle, while at Radford.
For more information on Radford University commencement, go online to .
