The 11th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), organized by NEF, calls young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop and scale innovative energy solutions that advance social enterprise, agribusiness, fintech, and energy management using local resources. The competition fosters youth employment, innovation, and community action.
Application Deadline:
10 September 2026.
Tell Me About the Opportunity:
The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), organized by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), is now in its 11th edition. It mobilizes young, early‑stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop, prototype, and scale innovative devices, equipment, and digital solutions using locally available resources. The competition connects innovators to employment, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities, advancing Value Addition, Youth Innovation, and Community Action.
Which Sectors are Eligible?
Proposals are invited across four innovation tracks:
- Powering Youth Employment & Green Jobs
- Energizing Agribusiness & Waste‑2‑Energy
- Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition
- Transforming AI & Connectivity
Type:
Innovation competition — prototype development, pitching, and incubation.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be young professionals aged 18–35 years from Africa.
- Apply as a team of at least three people.
- Ensure gender balance (at least one woman and one man per team).
- Teams may be cross‑institutional, cross‑company, or cross‑country.
- Submit multiple applications if desired.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Local content — use of local resources and expertise.
- Originality & creativity — innovative solutions in underdeveloped areas.
- Commercial viability — realistic, cost‑efficient, and practical prototypes.
- Youth employment impact — linking young people to jobs or entrepreneurship.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All African countries.
Where will the Opportunity be Taken?
Finalists will pitch virtually at the Nigeria Energy Forum 2026 (19 November 2026).
How Many Opportunities?
Up to 20+ shortlisted entries will be invited to the final round.
What is the Benefit of the Opportunity?
- Cash prize grants of up to US$10,000.
- Complimentary passes to the Nigeria Energy Forum 2026.
- Pitch opportunities using poster + video presentations.
- Networking with policymakers, academics, and private sector leaders.
- Business development workshops, mentorship, and exhibitions valued at US$15,000.
- Support from a venture incubator.
How Long Will the Support Last?
Competition cycle runs from August–November 2026, with incubation and mentorship continuing beyond the awards.
How to Apply:
- Prepare a prototype model submission (≤1 side of A4 page) including:
- Project title (250 words)
- Innovation track (50 words)
- Abstract (50 words)
- Design tools & method (50 words)
- Problem statement (50 words)
- Estimated costs & timeline (50 words)
- Submit online at www.thenef.org/aeic.
- Shortlisted teams will later submit a poster, design brief, and 2‑minute pitch video.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
