Deadline: September 15, 2025
The NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open for applications, providing African youth with an incredible platform to showcase innovative energy solutions. Organised by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), this highly competitive challenge empowers young professionals to design and pitch projects that address pressing energy and sustainability challenges across the continent.
With a strong focus on youth employment, agribusiness, green manufacturing, and mobility, the challenge will spotlight Africa’s brightest innovators at the NEF 2025 Forum, which will take place in Lagos (July 8, 2025) and virtually on November 20, 2025.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025 is September 15, 2025. Early submissions are encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
The challenge is open to young African professionals aged 18–35. Applicants must apply in teams of at least three members. To ensure gender balance, each team must include both male and female members.
Innovation Tracks
Applicants are invited to submit proposals under one of the following four thematic 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.
Prizes and Benefits
Successful applicants stand to gain:
- Grants of up to USD $10,000 for winners (at least one per track).
- Pitching opportunity at the NEF 2025 Forum through poster and short video presentations.
- Networking with global experts, government leaders, and industry professionals.
- Workshops and mentorship from experienced practitioners.
- Incubator support to refine prototypes and scale impactful solutions.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on the following:
- 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.
Application Requirements
Proposals must be submitted in a concise one-page A4 format and include the following sections:
- Project Title (with a 250-word description of your solution).
- Innovation Track and expected impact (50 words).
- Abstract (50 words).
- Design Tools & Method (50 words).
- Problem Statement (50 words).
- Estimated Costs & Timeline (50 words).
Why Apply to the NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025?
This challenge goes beyond grant funding. It positions innovators for continental recognition, industry exposure, and long-term collaboration. By pitching at the NEF 2025 Forum, participants will join discussions on Africa’s “Decade of Energy Transition for Economic Prosperity” and gain visibility that can accelerate their professional journey.
How to Apply
Applications must be made directly through the official challenge portal.
👉 Apply Here
👉 Read More About the Programme
Need help with your proposal?
For expert support in proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
