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 solution,s or energy management systems 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.
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When is the Application Deadline:
📅 September 15, 2025.
Tell Me About the Challenge:
The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), organized by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), is in its 10th edition. The program mobilizes young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to design and develop prototypes or upscale devices/equipment that advance energy transition, job creation, agribusiness, fintech solutions, and local manufacturing using local resources.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Four innovation tracks are open for proposals:
1️⃣ Powering Youth Employment & Jobs Creation
2️⃣ Energizing Agribusiness & Social Development
3️⃣ Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition
4️⃣ CNG for Transport & Electrified Mobility
Type:
Grant-supported Innovation Challenge / Competition (up to $10,000 per winner).
Who Can Apply?
- Young professionals aged 18–35 years from Africa.
- Applications must be by teams of at least three people (with at least one woman and one man).
- Teams can be formed across institutions, companies, or countries.
- Individuals/teams may submit multiple applications.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts.
- Evaluation is based on local content, originality, commercial viability, and potential for youth employment.
- Shortlisted teams (up to 20) will present pitches via posters & video at NEF 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 All African countries.
Where will the Program be Taken?
Hybrid – online submission and pitching, with final presentations at the Nigeria Energy Forum 2025, Lagos, Nigeria.
How Many Grants?
At least one winner per track (4 total), with up to 20 shortlisted entries receiving passes to participate fully in NEF 2025.
What is the Benefit of the Challenge?
✅ Cash grants of up to $10,000 per winning team.
✅ Chance to pitch prototype at NEF 2025.
✅ Business development workshops and startup incubation support.
✅ Networking with government leaders, investors, academia, and private sector experts.
How Long Will the Program Last?
The competition cycle runs from August–November 2025, with a final pitch and awards in November 2025.
How to Apply:
Submit your proposal (max 1-page) including project title, innovation track, abstract, design tools, problem statement, costs & timeline.
