Young energy entrepreneurs across Africa can apply for the 11th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), which is seeking early-stage ideas that use innovation and locally available resources to address energy, employment, agriculture, manufacturing and connectivity challenges.
Organised by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), the competition is built around the theme “Accelerating Value Addition, Youth Innovation & Community Action.” It aims to help young innovators move promising ideas from early-stage development toward prototyping, commercialisation and scale.
What the Competition Focuses On
Applicants can submit solutions under four innovation tracks:
- Powering Youth Employment & Green Jobs
- Energising Agribusiness & Waste-2-Energy
- Greening Local Manufacturing & Value Addition
- Transforming AI & Connectivity
Solutions may include innovative devices, equipment and digital technologies for areas such as social enterprise, agribusiness, fintech and energy management.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to young professionals aged 18 to 35 from across Africa.
Applicants can apply individually or as teams, subject to the competition’s requirements. Teams must:
- Have at least three members
- Include at least one woman and one man
- Demonstrate gender balance
- Be formed across schools, institutions, companies or countries if desired
Individuals and teams may submit multiple applications.
The proposed innovation should make use of local resources or expertise, demonstrate originality, have commercial potential and contribute to youth employment or entrepreneurship.
What to Submit
The first-round proposal must not exceed one A4 page and should cover:
- Project title and solution
- Innovation track and expected impact
- Short abstract
- Design tools and method
- Problem statement
- Estimated costs and timeline
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the final round, where they will submit a one-page poster, two-page design brief and a two-minute video pitch.
Prizes and Benefits
Finalists and winners will be selected by an independent panel of industry and development experts.
Winners can:
- 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
- Connect with young professionals, policymakers, investors, development partners and private-sector leaders
- Participate in business development workshops
- Access industry mentorship and exhibitions valued at more than US$15,000
- Receive support from a venture incubator
Up to 20 or more shortlisted entries will also receive complimentary passes to participate in the 11th Nigeria Energy Forum, scheduled for November 19, 2026.