African Energy Innovators Invited to Compete for €400,000 Digital Energy Grant

African innovators working to expand electricity access now have an opportunity to secure significant funding through the Digital Energy Challenge, an initiative aimed at accelerating digital solutions in the energy sector.

Despite ongoing efforts to improve electrification across the continent, nearly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most affected, accounting for roughly 80 percent of the global population without power. Experts say investment levels remain far below what is required to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.

To help address the challenge, the Digital Energy Challenge has earmarked €827,000 for projects that leverage technology to improve energy access, grid efficiency, and renewable energy integration.

Funding Categories

The program offers support under two tracks:

• Tech Accelerator: Grants of up to €150,000 per project are available for digital energy innovations operating in any of the 51 eligible African countries. Applicants must focus on a single product or solution.
• Partnership Track: Funding of up to €400,000 is available for collaborative projects in Nigeria developed in partnership with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Proposals that address all three thematic focus areas will receive priority consideration.

Priority Areas

Applicants are encouraged to develop solutions in the following areas:

• Grid planning and investment optimization
• Microgrid and distributed energy resource (DER) management
• Integrated network data platforms

Beyond financial support, selected participants will gain access to expert-led training, technical mentorship during implementation, and increased visibility within the energy sector.

Eligibility

The challenge is open to independent small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees and annual turnover below €50 million. Applicants must demonstrate a strong research and development component and have no conflict of interest with AEDC.

While companies from around the world are eligible to apply, African-based businesses are strongly encouraged to participate and may receive favorable consideration during the selection process.

Application Deadline: June 17, 2026.