NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025 – USD 10,000 Cash Prize

 NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025 – USD 10,000 Cash Prize

Application Deadline: 15th September 2025

The 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), organized by NEF, is calling early-stage young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop prototypes or upscale key devices/equipment for social enterprise, agri-business, fintech solutions, or energy management systems using local resources. This initiative advances Energy Transition, Job Creation, and Youth Employment across the continent.

Innovation Tracks

Applicants can submit proposals under four tracks:

1. Powering Youth Employment & Job Creation

2. Energizing Agribusiness & Social Development

3. Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition

4. CNG for Transport & Electrified Mobility

Eligibility Criteria

• Young professionals aged 18–35 from Africa

• Applications submitted by a team of at least three people

• Teams must reflect gender balance (at least 1 woman and 1 man)

• Teams can be cross-institutional, cross-company, or cross-country

• Individuals or teams may submit multiple applications

 Prizes & Opportunities

• Cash prize grants up to USD 10,000 to demonstrate or scale the proposed solution

• Pitch prototypes at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum via poster and short video

• Networking opportunities with young professionals, government officials, development experts, and industry leaders

• Business development workshops and support from a dedicated start-up incubator

• At least 1 winner per track, with 20 shortlisted entries receiving complimentary participation at the Forum

 How to Apply

Submit your application via the official NEF portal: