Deadline: December 31, 2025
The WASCAL Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy (WISE) 2025 is an exciting opportunity for individuals and organisations across West Africa to develop innovative projects that promote renewable energy and green technologies. This competition encourages creative solutions to address energy challenges in the region while supporting sustainable development. Participants can propose research projects, technological innovations, and community initiatives that advance clean energy access, green mobility, and the energy–water–food nexus.
Through this competition, aspiring innovators, academics, and entrepreneurs have a chance to secure funding, showcase their ideas, and contribute to transforming the energy landscape in West Africa. If you have a novel concept in renewable energy or related fields, the WISE 2025 competition could be the perfect platform to bring your idea to life.
About the Opportunity
The WASCAL Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy (WISE) 2025 is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research and coordinated by WASCAL. The competition supports short-term projects and research initiatives focused on sustainable energy, renewable technologies, and green hydrogen solutions in West Africa. The goal is to foster innovation, energy access, and socio-economic development in line with global sustainability standards.
WISE 2025 provides funding for projects lasting up to 15 months with a maximum grant of €20,000 per project. The competition encourages practical, implementable solutions that can make a tangible difference in local communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Eligibility
Applicants for the WASCAL Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy (WISE) 2025 must meet the following requirements:
- Individuals: Students, academics, young entrepreneurs, and innovators from WASCAL member countries.
- Organisations/Associations: Legally registered entities in a WASCAL member country with a valid local bank account.
- Bank Account: A bank account in the name of the individual or organisation for fund disbursement.
WASCAL member countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Benefits / Award Details
- Maximum funding per project: €20,000
- Maximum project duration: 15 months
- Access to mentorship, networking, and exposure through WASCAL’s regional platforms
- Opportunity to implement innovative energy solutions that address local challenges
- Participation in monitoring, evaluation, and potential dissemination activities
Application Requirements / Documents
To apply for WISE 2025, applicants must submit the following:
- Completed and signed application form
- Endorsement letter from your institution or organisation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the applicant(s)
- Certificate of registration for organisational applicants
- Full project proposal in PDF format
- Language: English or French
Applications must include detailed plans, budget proposals, and clearly defined project outcomes.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025, 11:59 pm GMT (UTC+0)
- Project Duration: Up to 15 months from the date of funding
- Selection announcements and project kick-off will follow shortly after the application review
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their proposals via email to:
application.wise@wascal.org
- Apply Now: Submit your WISE 2025 application here
- Read More About the Programme: Learn more about WISE 2025
Selection Process
- All proposals will be reviewed and assessed by an independent expert jury.
- Selected projects will be invited to a kick-off event to begin implementation.
- Funded projects will undergo regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation to ensure objectives are met.
Additional Information / Terms
- Funding is only available for projects within WASCAL member countries.
- Projects must demonstrate feasibility, innovation, and potential impact on local communities.
- Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and submitted in the correct format.
- Projects aligned with renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, women’s empowerment, and socio-economic development are strongly encouraged.
Host Organisation
The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) is the coordinating body for the competition. WASCAL facilitates research, innovation, and capacity building in climate change adaptation and sustainable energy solutions across West Africa. The programme is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research to encourage innovative ideas that have tangible social and environmental impact.
Applicants are encouraged to start preparing their proposals early, ensuring all documents and endorsements are in place. This competition is an excellent opportunity to transform innovative energy ideas into real-world solutions.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
