ClimaFii Alliance 2026 Funding Program for Climate Innovators in Africa ($70,000 Grant)

The Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance is a multi-year global initiative launched by the Shell Foundation and Accion, in partnership with BFA Global (for Africa) and Upaya Social Ventures (for India).

​The 2026 program is designed to bridge the “missing middle”—supporting early-stage ventures that empower micro-entrepreneurs in climate-vulnerable communities. It isn’t just a grant; it’s a venture-building platform that helps you refine your unit economics and unlock customer financing.

Key Benefits For Innovators

ClimaFii provides a high-support, low-friction pathway to growth:

​Gender-Smart Incentives: Startups demonstrating strong outcomes for women-led micro-enterprises may be eligible for more flexible terms or additional support.

​Catalytic Funding: Selected startups receive between $45,000 and $70,000 in milestone-based funding. This capital is intended for product testing, market pilots, and de-risking early operations.

​Venture Building & TA: Hands-on technical assistance to refine your pricing, operations, and go-to-market strategy.

​End-User Finance Support: Guidance on designing affordable financing (like PAYGo or embedded finance) for your customers.

​Investor Access: Direct links to a network of equity and debt investors to prepare you for follow-on funding.

Focus Sectors

The Alliance supports solutions that enable Productive Use of Energy (PUE):

• ​Clean Energy: Solar energy-as-a-service, battery leasing, and shared energy hubs.
• ​Electric Mobility: E-2 wheelers/3-wheelers, battery swapping, and EV logistics for small operators.
• ​Circular Economy: Waste-to-energy, briquette production, and waste valorization.
• ​Agri-Processing: Solar fridges, mills, dryers, and cold chain (must focus on value-addition/preservation).
• ​Climate Fintech: Platforms that make these assets affordable through digital leasing or credit.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 cohort, you must meet the following:

• ​Geography: Must be registered and operational in Sub-Saharan Africa (with at least one co-founder based in the region).
• ​Stage: Early-stage (Pre-seed to Seed) with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) already in use by customers.
• ​Traction Goal: Must have the potential to reach approximately 2,000 micro-entrepreneur customers within one year.
• ​Impact: Clear demonstration of how your solution increases income or resilience for small business owners.

Application Details

The window for the 2026 cohort is currently active, and the deadline is fast approaching.

• ​Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (Some regional partners may have a closing date of January 12—apply early to be safe).
• ​Where to Apply: Apply via the BFA Global ClimaFii Portal

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