Deadline: September 10, 2026
The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) invites proposals for the Africa Energy Innovation Competition (AEIC), a continental challenge mobilizing young, early-stage energy entrepreneurs to develop, prototype, and scale innovative solutions across Africa’s energy sector.
About the Competition
Themed “Accelerating Value Addition, Youth Innovation & Community Action,” the competition supports young entrepreneurs across four strategic tracks:
- Youth employment and green jobs
- Agribusiness and waste-to-energy
- Local manufacturing and value addition
- AI and connectivity
What’s at Stake
Selected participants benefit from a comprehensive package designed to accelerate their ventures:
- 💰 Cash prizes of up to US$10,000 awarded to winners
- 🎫 Complimentary passes to the 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (November 2026) for up to 20 shortlisted teams
- 🎤 Live pitch opportunity to present prototypes at the Forum
- 📈 Business development mentorship and incubator support valued at over US$15,000
- 🤝 Networking with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18 to 35 years
- Team composition: Apply as teams of at least three people
- Gender inclusion: Each team must include at least one woman and one man
How to Apply
Application Deadline: September 10, 2026
Initial proposal submissions must be completed by the deadline. Shortlisted teams will be invited to present their prototypes at the Nigeria Energy Forum in November 2026.
Apply via HERE.
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At Earth Focus Network, we believe that environmental and social change is a collective movement. We connect young innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with opportunities, funding, and resources to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
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- Exclusive Funding Alerts – Be the first to know about competitions like the Africa Energy Innovation Competition and other innovation challenges
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Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Africa Energy Innovation Competition (AEIC) |
| Organizer | Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) |
| Grant Size | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Theme | Accelerating Value Addition, Youth Innovation & Community Action |
| Eligibility | Teams of 3+, aged 18-35, at least one woman and one man |
| Areas | Energy, Agribusiness, AI, Manufacturing, Fintech |
| Application Deadline | September 10, 2026 |
| Apply via | https://thenef.org/aeic/ |
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