Applications are open for the 11th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) 2026, organised by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) to support young African innovators developing practical energy solutions for employment, agribusiness, local manufacturing, and digital transformation.
The competition is themed “Accelerating Value Addition, Youth Innovation & Community Action” and is open to young energy entrepreneurs across Nigeria and other African countries.
Grant Benefits
Winners will have the opportunity to:
- Receive a share of cash prize grants of up to US$10,000 to demonstrate or scale their solutions.
- Pitch their prototype at the 2026 Nigeria Energy Forum.
- Participate in business development workshops and industry mentorship.
- Access networking opportunities with government officials, investors, development organisations, academics and private-sector leaders.
- Receive support from a venture incubator.
- Access industry mentorship and exhibitions valued at more than US$15,000.
- Up to 20 or more shortlisted entries will receive complimentary passes to participate in the 2026 Nigeria Energy Forum.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to young professionals aged 18–35 from Africa.
Applicants can apply individually or as teams, but team applications must have at least three members and must demonstrate gender balance, including at least one woman and one man. Teams can be formed across different schools, institutions, companies or countries.
Innovation Tracks
Applicants can submit solutions under one of four tracks:
1 Powering Youth Employment & Green Jobs
Solutions that use energy innovation to create quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
2. Energizing Agribusiness & Waste-to-Energy
Innovations that use energy technologies to improve agriculture, food systems and waste management.
3. Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition
Solutions that promote local manufacturing, efficient energy use and value addition using locally available resources.
4. Transforming AI & Connectivity
Energy-related innovations that leverage artificial intelligence, connectivity and digital technologies.
What Should Applicants Submit?
The initial prototype proposal must not exceed one A4 page and should include:
- Project title and description of the solution
- Innovation track and expected impact
- Short abstract
- Design tools and methodology
- Problem statement
- Estimated cost and timeline.
Shortlisted teams will proceed to a final round involving a one-page poster, detailed design brief and short video pitch.
How Will Applications Be Evaluated?
Proposals will be assessed based on:
- Local content – use of local resources and expertise
- Originality and creativity
- Commercial viability
- Youth employment potential
- Practicality and potential impact of the proposed solution.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: August 10, 2026
- Application deadline: September 10, 2026
- Shortlist announced: September 30, 2026
- Final submission deadline: October 20, 2026
- Video pitch, posters and awards: November 19, 2026.
Note: The official page contains some inconsistent older dates in the later-round instructions, but the current 2026 timeline at the top of the competition page lists September 10, 2026 as the proposal submission deadline.
Why You Should Apply
If you are a young African innovator working on an energy-related solution, this competition offers more than prize funding. It can give you an opportunity to test or scale your prototype, receive business support, meet potential investors and partners, and showcase your solution to key players in Africa’s energy ecosystem.
Method of Application
Interested innovators can review the requirements and submit their proposals through the official Africa Energy Innovation Competition page
.jpeg )
