UK-based clean energy firm Octopus Energy has opened applications for the second edition of its Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award. The programme offers grant funding, mentorship, and support to early-stage startups that are expanding clean power access across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is run in partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and is supported this year by Nigerian solar company Salpha Energy.
Programme Overview
• Organiser: UK-based clean energy firm Octopus Energy
• Programme: Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award, second edition
• Partnerships: Run in partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and supported this year by Nigerian solar company Salpha Energy
• Focus: Grant funding, mentorship, and support for early-stage startups expanding clean power access across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Award URL: https://www.octopusenergygeneration.com/african-entrepreneurship-awards-2026/
• Winners: Three selected winners will receive a grant to scale product development and deployment
• Additional support: Access to a mentorship programme, resources, and visibility aimed at helping winners unlock follow-on funding
Eligibility and Application Criteria
• Eligible base: Startups based in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Maximum age: No more than five years old
• Team size: Fewer than 20 full-time employees
• Assessment criteria: Uniqueness of the innovation, how it improves energy access, scalability, community impact, and strength of the founding team
• Judging panel: CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives with experience in Africa’s energy transition
• Application deadline: 11 December 2026, 23:59 GMT (00:59 GMT+1).
Previous Winners and Impact
• Nimsy Agro Solar, Nigeria: Provides solar-powered irrigation pumps to smallholder farmers
• PAM AI: Uses technology to optimise mini-grid energy
• KAMIM Technologies: Builds solar-powered cooling systems for farmers
• Founder insight – Onimisi Charles Atere, founder of Nimsy Agro Solar Concept: "With last year’s grant funding, we developed and piloted a first-of-its-kind solar irrigation reservoir in Giwa LGA in the Kaduna State in Nigeria. The award has opened up new opportunities and networks, positioning us for greater impact and scale."
Organiser Statement
• Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, noted the company was proud to back early-stage startups delivering change through energy.
• Zoisa North-Bond: "We can’t wait to see this year’s applicants and hope this award continues to provide a launchpad for trailblazers to take their ideas to the next level."
With applications closing on December 11, the Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award provides eligible Sub-Saharan African startups with a structured opportunity to access grant funding, mentorship, resources, and visibility. The initiative reflects continued support for early-stage clean energy ventures working to improve energy access across the continent.