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The 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge

Pan-African competition for youth-led energy prototypes with mentorship & grants.

Organizer: The Nigeria Energy Forum
Deadline: September 15, 2025 (in 10 days)
Category: Competition
Regions: Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Tanzania, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sudan, Central African Republic, Djibouti, South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Gambia, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Botswana, Mozambique, Comoros, Mauritius, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, Chad, Cabo Verde, Namibia, Somalia, Niger, Seychelles, Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali, Eritrea, South Sudan, Egypt, Gabon, Malawi, Angola, Eswatini, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Sao Tome & Principe, Libya, Zambia, DR Congo
Back to All Opportunities

The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) has announced the 10th edition of the Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), inviting young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to submit innovative prototypes and solutions. This year’s theme is “Transforming Energy Transition, Youth Employment & Local Manufacturing.” The competition focuses on advancing energy transition, job creation, and entrepreneurship, while showcasing youth-led innovations that can drive sustainable development across the continent.

About the Competition

The AEIC mobilizes early-stage energy entrepreneurs to develop and demonstrate prototypes or upscale devices and systems using local resources. The challenge is open to young Africans who are committed to designing impactful solutions for agribusiness, social enterprises, fintech, and energy management systems. The competition also seeks to link young innovators to quality employment opportunities and entrepreneurship pathways, providing a platform for collaboration, recognition, and access to investment.

Innovation Tracks

Proposals are invited across four innovation tracks:

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

Eligibility

  • Open to young professionals aged 18–35 years from Africa.
  • Applications must be submitted by teams of at least three people, with gender balance (at least 1 woman and 1 man per team).
  • Teams may come from different institutions, companies, or countries.
  • Multiple applications per team or individual are allowed.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals must not exceed one side of an A4 page and should include:

  • Project Title & Solution (250 words)
  • Innovation Track & Expected Impact (50 words)
  • Short Abstract (50 words)
  • Design Tools & Method (50 words)
  • Problem Statement (50 words)
  • Estimated Costs & Timeline (50 words)

A downloadable template is provided on the NEF website.

Prizes & Recognition

Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of industry experts and development professionals. Awards include:

  • Grant prizes of up to $10,000 to demonstrate or scale solutions.
  • Pitching opportunities at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF25) using posters and videos.
  • Networking with senior decision-makers in government, academia, development, and the private sector.
  • Business development workshops and support from a dedicated start-up incubator.
  • Complimentary passes for 20 shortlisted entries to attend NEF25.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed on:

  • Local Content: Use of local resources and expertise with significant community impact.
  • Originality & Creativity: Novel solutions addressing underdeveloped areas.
  • Commercial Viability: Realistic, cost-effective, and practical prototypes.
  • Youth Employment Impact: Clear pathways linking youth to jobs and entrepreneurship.

Key Dates

  • Open Call for Proposals: 15 August 2025
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: 15 September 2025
  • Shortlist for Final Round: 15 October 2025
  • Final Submissions Due: 30 October 2025
  • Video Pitch, Posters & Awards: 20 November 2025
  • Exhibition of Past Winners’ Products: 08 July 2025, Lagos

The 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge offers a unique platform for young African innovators to showcase their ideas, scale solutions, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. With grants of up to $10,000 and unparalleled exposure opportunities, the competition empowers youth to lead Africa’s energy transition.