NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (USD10,000 Cash Prize): Call for Application

Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) 10th Africa Energy Innovation Competition is now open for application for a chance to get up to USD10,000 fund as cash prize.

The Africa Energy Ideas Challenge is an initiative of NEF to challenge early-stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries to develop a prototype model of a key device/equipment for a social energy enterprise, agri-business, fintech solutions or energy management system using local resources.

The AEIC, organized by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), aims to mobilize early-stage young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop prototypes or upscale key devices/equipment for social enterprise, agribusiness, fintech solutions, or energy management systems using local resources. The challenge focuses on advancing Energy Transition, Job Creation, and Youth Innovation.

AEIC Innovation Tracks

The challenge has four innovation tracks:

• Powering Youth Employment & Job Creation: Developing energy solutions that expand youth opportunities
• Energizing Agribusiness & Social Development: Innovations linking energy to agriculture and community development
• Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition: Enhancing energy efficiency in local industries and production chains
• CNG for Transport & Electrified Mobility: Clean energy mobility solutions for African cities and communities

Benefits of the 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge

Winners of the competition can expect:

• Cash Grants: Up to $10,000 for winners (at least one per track)
• Networking Opportunities: Unique chances to connect with senior decision-makers in government, international development, academia, and the private sector
• Business Development Workshops: Opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners and receive support from a dedicated start-up incubator
• Pitching Opportunity: Chance to pitch proposed prototype models at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum using a poster and short video

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To apply, you must be:

• A young African professional aged 18-35
• Part of a team with at least three members, including both male and female members

Applications should include:

• Project Title: A 250-word description of your solution.

Application Deadline

Don\’t miss the chance to apply! The deadline is September 15, 2025. Early submissions are encouraged.

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be assessed based on:

• Local Content: Use of local expertise and resources to address community energy needs
• Originality & Creativity: Novel approaches to underexplored or emerging challenges
• Commercial Viability: Cost-effective, realistic, and implementable solutions
• Youth Employment Impact: Contribution towards job creation and entrepreneurship for young people

To Start your application visit https://thenef.org/aeic/