NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025 ($10k Grants Up For Grabs)

The 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge AEIC organized by NEF mobilizes early-stage young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop a prototype/upscale a key device/equipment for social enterprise, agri-business, fintech solutions or energy management system using local resources. The 10th AEIC links young persons to quality employment or  entrepreneurship opportunities, and is focused on advancing Energy Transition, Job Creation and Youth Employment initiatives.

FOUR (4) INNOVATION TRACK(S)
Proposals are invited across four innovation tracks for early-stage energy entrepreneurs from
Africa, including:

• Track 1: Powering Youth Employment & Jobs Creation;
• Track 2: Energizing Agribusiness & Social Development
• Track 3: Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition
• Track 4: CNG for Transport & Electrified Mobility

Eligibility Criteria

Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate in the competition across any of the four (4) innovation tracks above. Applications may be submitted by a team of at least three people. Team composition  MUST reflect gender balance, (comprising at least 1 woman and 1 man). Teams may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, countries etc. Individuals or teams may submit multiple applications.

Your proposed prototype model submission must not exceed 1- side of an A4 page and should include the following:

• Project Title – Your solution (250 words)
• Innovation Track –  Expected impact (50 words)
• Short abstract –  (50 words)
• Design tools and method – (50 words)
• Problem Statement (50 words)
• Estimated costs and timeline (50 words)

Prizes & key Benefits

The finalists and winners will be selected by an independent panel of industry experts and experienced development professionals from public and private sector institutions.  It is anticipated that at least 1 winner per track will be awarded grant prizes with up to 20 shortlisted entries offered complimentary passes to fully participate in the 2025. Winners of the competition get the opportunity to:

• Receive cash prize grants of up to USD10,000 to demonstrate or scale the proposed solution;
• Pitch their proposed prototype model at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum, using a poster and short video;
• Benefit from unique networking opportunities with other young professionals as well as some of the most senior decision-makers in government, international development, academia, and the private sector; &
• Attend business development workshops, and receive support from a dedicated start-up incubator.

Evaluation Criteria

• Local Content: utilize local resources, demonstrate use
  of local expertise, alternative energy services or efficient solutions for powering agriculture, education and Healthcare.
• Originality and creativity: present solutions that are
  original, creative in areas that are either underdeveloped or severely underdeveloped in research and literature.
• Commercial Viability: proposed prototype model should be realistic, practical rather than just theory.
• Youth Employment: ideas must link young people to quality employment or entrepreneurship opportunity.

Application Deadline: 15th September, 2025

Where To Apply: Visit NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge

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