About the opportunity
Organized by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), the 11th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) mobilizes early-stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop, prototype, and scale innovative devices, equipment, and digital solutions using local resources. The challenge focuses on four innovation tracks: Powering Youth Employment & Green Jobs, Energizing Agribusiness & Waste-2-Energy, Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition, and Transforming AI & Connectivity. It connects young innovators to quality employment, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
Funding and benefits
- Share of cash prize grants of up to US$10,000 to demonstrate or scale the proposed solution.
- Complimentary passes for shortlisted entries (up to 20 or more) to fully participate in the 11th Nigeria Energy Forum.
- Opportunity to pitch the proposed prototype model using a poster and short video at the 2026 Nigeria Energy Forum.
- Access to business development workshops, industry mentorship, and exhibitions valued at over US$15,000.
- Support from a venture incubator and unique networking opportunities with senior decision-makers across government, international development, academia, and the private sector.
Who can apply?
- Open to young professionals and early-stage energy entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years of age from Africa.
- Applications must 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, or countries.
- Individuals or teams may submit multiple applications.
- Proposals must address one of the four innovation tracks: Powering Youth Employment & Green Jobs, Energizing Agribusiness & Waste-2-Energy, Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition, or Transforming AI & Connectivity.
Required documents
- Initial Submission (max 1 side of A4): Project Title and solution (max 250 words), Innovation Track and expected impact (max 50 words), Short abstract (max 50 words), Design tools and method (max 50 words), Problem Statement (max 50 words), and Estimated costs and timeline (max 50 words).
- Shortlisted Round 2 Submission: 1-page poster (PDF format) summarizing solution, technical design, cost-benefit/economic feasibility, prototype timeline, business model, target market, and visual photos.
- Additional Round 2 Documents: Detailed budget, 2-page Design Brief, and a high-quality 60-second video pitch of the prototype model uploaded to Google Drive.
When to apply
- Open Call for Proposals: August 10, 2026.
- Proposal Submission Deadline: September 10, 2026.
- Shortlist Announcement for Final Round: September 30, 2026.
- Final Submissions Deadline (Poster & Video): October 20, 2026 (Round 2 guidelines note October 31).
- Public Vote on Video Pitch: November 10–17, 2026.
- Virtual Pitch, Posters & Awards Event: November 19, 2026.
How to apply
- Form a gender-balanced team of at least three individuals (aged 18–35 from Africa) including at least one woman and one man.
- Select an applicable innovation track and develop an early-stage energy prototype solution using local resources.
- Download the Innovation Challenge Submission Template from the Nigeria Energy Forum website.
- Prepare the 1-side A4 prototype proposal strictly observing specified word limits.
- Fill out and submit the official online application form at www.thenef.org/aeic before September 10, 2026.
- If shortlisted, submit the required 1-page poster, 2-page design brief, detailed budget, and 60-second video pitch for final round evaluation and public voting.
Additional information
- Proposals are evaluated based on Local Content, Originality and Creativity, Commercial Viability, and Youth Employment potential.
- Round 2 constitutes 70% of the cumulative grade, while Round 3 (Public Vote) accounts for 30%.
- Public voting requires registered voters to first register for the finals (60% weight) and follow/subscribe to NEF social media channels to view, like, and share the video pitches (40% weight).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Young African energy entrepreneurs aged 18–35 with a focus on local resource utilization.
- Teams of at least three people that meet the gender-balance requirement of at least one woman and one man.
- Innovators working on prototypes within the tracks of green jobs, agribusiness, manufacturing, or AI/connectivity.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process is multi-stage, requiring a high-quality video pitch and detailed design briefs if shortlisted.
- Public voting accounts for 30% of the final grade, requiring active social media engagement.
- The project must be an early-stage prototype, and teams must be prepared to demonstrate economic feasibility.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This challenge is a great fit for young entrepreneurs looking to validate their energy solutions and gain exposure to industry decision-makers. It offers a platform to refine business models and secure both funding and mentorship to move a prototype toward market readiness.
Our take
Young African innovators with a collaborative, gender-balanced team should apply, especially if they are ready to engage in public promotion and technical refinement of their energy prototypes.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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