Deadline: March 21, 2026
Access to reliable electricity remains one of the biggest development challenges across many parts of West Africa. While grid expansion continues, millions of people—especially in rural and underserved communities—still rely on expensive and unreliable energy sources. To address this challenge and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions, the ROGEAP Business Plan Competition has been introduced to support innovative entrepreneurs working in the off-grid solar sector.
The ROGEAP Business Plan Competition is designed to identify, support, and reward startups and small businesses with promising ideas that can expand access to clean and affordable electricity across West Africa. Through financial prizes, mentorship, training opportunities, and access to investors, the programme aims to strengthen the region’s renewable energy ecosystem while helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
This initiative provides an opportunity for solar startups and small businesses to refine their business models, gain visibility among investors and energy stakeholders, and compete for funding that can accelerate their growth and impact.
About the ROGEAP Programme
The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) is a major regional initiative focused on improving access to sustainable electricity across West Africa. The programme is designed to promote the development and expansion of the off-grid solar market by supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and encouraging innovation in renewable energy technologies.
ROGEAP is implemented by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in collaboration with the World Bank and the Clean Technology Fund, with additional support from the Directorate‑General for International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Netherlands.
Through a range of programmes, training initiatives, and funding opportunities, ROGEAP aims to build a thriving ecosystem for solar energy businesses in the region. The Business Plan Competition is one of the programme’s key initiatives designed to discover innovative solutions that can significantly improve energy access.
By supporting entrepreneurs with strong business models and scalable solutions, the competition contributes to the long-term goal of increasing electricity access and promoting sustainable economic development in West Africa.
Overview of the ROGEAP Business Plan Competition
The ROGEAP Business Plan Competition targets entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses working in the off-grid solar energy sector. The competition seeks to identify innovative business ideas that can help expand electricity access in communities that currently lack reliable energy services.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop and present their business plans to experts and investors within the renewable energy sector. Shortlisted candidates will take part in specialised training and mentorship sessions designed to help them strengthen their proposals and improve their chances of scaling their businesses.
Beyond the financial prizes, the competition provides significant exposure to investors, development partners, policymakers, and key stakeholders within the energy sector. This exposure can open doors to additional funding opportunities, partnerships, and market expansion.
Objectives of the Competition
The competition is designed with several key objectives in mind. These include supporting innovative businesses, promoting sustainable energy solutions, and accelerating the growth of the off-grid solar industry in West Africa.
Some of the main objectives include:
- Identifying innovative solar energy businesses with strong growth potential
- Supporting entrepreneurs with practical training and mentorship
- Encouraging the development of scalable off-grid electricity solutions
- Connecting entrepreneurs with investors and development partners
- Promoting sustainable energy access in underserved communities
- Strengthening the regional renewable energy ecosystem
Through these goals, the competition aims to create a strong pipeline of businesses capable of transforming the energy landscape in West Africa.
Competition Timeline
Applicants interested in participating in the competition must take note of the official timeline to ensure they submit their applications within the designated period.
Application Opening Date: 1 August 2025
Application Deadline: 18 August 2025
In addition, an orientation session will be organised to guide potential applicants through the application process and provide further clarification about the competition.
Orientation Webinar:
8 August 2025
10:00 GMT
This webinar will provide useful insights into the programme, application requirements, and expectations from participants.
Prize Awards
Participants in the competition stand a chance to receive financial support that can help them develop and scale their businesses.
The competition offers the following prizes:
First Prize:
$5,000
Five Additional Winners:
$2,500 each
Best Women-Led Business Award:
$4,000
These prizes are designed to reward innovation and encourage entrepreneurs to develop sustainable business models that expand access to solar energy solutions.
The special award for women-led businesses also reflects the programme’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and supporting female entrepreneurs within the renewable energy sector.
Key Benefits of Participating
The benefits of participating in the competition extend beyond financial prizes. Entrepreneurs selected for the programme will gain access to valuable opportunities that can significantly accelerate their business growth.
Business Bootcamp and Mentorship
Shortlisted participants will be invited to attend the ROGEAP Business Bootcamp. This intensive training programme is designed to strengthen participants’ business strategies and help them refine their business plans.
During the bootcamp, entrepreneurs will receive mentorship from experienced professionals in areas such as:
- Business model development
- Financial planning
- Market analysis
- Investment readiness
- Pitch preparation
This guidance can help participants improve the structure, viability, and scalability of their business ideas.
Opportunity to Pitch at a Major Regional Energy Event
Finalists of the competition will have the opportunity to present their business ideas at the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF).
The forum is one of the most important renewable energy events in West Africa and attracts policymakers, development partners, investors, and energy experts from across the region and beyond.
Pitching at this high-profile event provides entrepreneurs with exceptional visibility and the opportunity to secure investment or partnerships that can support the growth of their businesses.
Access to Investors and Industry Stakeholders
Another major advantage of the competition is the opportunity to interact directly with investors and energy sector stakeholders.
Participants will be able to connect with:
- Venture capital firms
- Development finance institutions
- Impact investors
- Renewable energy experts
- Policymakers and regulators
These connections can play a critical role in helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses and access new markets.
Potential Access to Additional Funding
Promising businesses identified through the competition may also gain access to further financial support through the broader ROGEAP programme.
Eligible companies may qualify for grants of up to:
- $25,000 for startup solar businesses
- $250,000 for companies looking to scale their operations
This additional funding can help businesses expand their distribution networks, develop new technologies, or reach more communities that lack access to electricity.
Eligible Countries
The competition is open to businesses operating in several West African countries. Entrepreneurs must be based in one of the following countries to apply:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
Businesses operating in these countries are encouraged to submit innovative proposals that can help improve access to off-grid electricity solutions.
Who Should Apply
The ROGEAP Business Plan Competition is specifically targeted at entrepreneurs and businesses involved in the off-grid solar energy sector.
Eligible applicants typically include:
- Early-stage startups in the solar energy industry
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in renewable energy
- Entrepreneurs developing innovative solar technologies
- Businesses providing solar products and services
- Companies with scalable solutions for expanding electricity access
The competition is particularly interested in businesses that address the energy needs of rural and underserved communities where grid electricity remains limited or unavailable.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be carefully assessed by experts in the renewable energy and entrepreneurship sectors. The evaluation process focuses on identifying business ideas that demonstrate both innovation and strong market potential.
Some of the key evaluation criteria include:
Innovation
Applicants must demonstrate how their business idea introduces new or improved solutions within the solar energy sector. This could include technological innovation, creative distribution models, or unique service offerings.
Market Opportunity
The proposed business must address a clear market need and demonstrate strong potential demand for its products or services.
Business Model and Scalability
Reviewers will evaluate whether the business model is realistic, sustainable, and capable of scaling across larger markets or regions.
Financial Viability
Applicants must demonstrate that their business has the potential to become financially sustainable and generate revenue over time.
Job Creation Potential
Businesses that create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth in their communities will receive favourable consideration.
Social Impact
Applications that demonstrate a clear positive impact on communities—particularly through improving electricity access—will be prioritised.
Gender Inclusion
The competition encourages businesses that promote gender equality or are led by women entrepreneurs.
Environmental Sustainability
Solutions that contribute to environmental protection and the transition to clean energy will be highly valued.
Why This Competition Matters
Energy access remains one of the most critical challenges affecting economic development in many West African countries. Reliable electricity is essential for powering businesses, improving healthcare services, enabling education, and enhancing overall quality of life.
Off-grid solar technologies offer a practical and sustainable solution for communities that are not yet connected to national electricity grids. By supporting innovative entrepreneurs, the ROGEAP Business Plan Competition helps accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions across the region.
In addition to improving energy access, the competition contributes to:
- Job creation
- Economic development
- Climate change mitigation
- Technological innovation
- Strengthening the renewable energy sector
For entrepreneurs working in the solar energy space, the competition represents an important opportunity to gain recognition, access funding, and build partnerships that can drive long-term business growth.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the ROGEAP Business Plan Competition must submit their applications within the official application period.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme requirements and ensure their business proposals clearly demonstrate innovation, scalability, and impact within the off-grid solar sector.
Applications must be submitted online through the official programme platform.
Final Thoughts
The ROGEAP Business Plan Competition presents a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs in West Africa who are passionate about advancing renewable energy solutions and expanding electricity access.
By combining funding opportunities with mentorship, training, and exposure to investors, the competition provides a strong platform for startups and SMEs to grow their businesses and contribute to sustainable development across the region.
Entrepreneurs working in the solar energy sector are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and submit innovative proposals that can transform energy access for millions of people.
Application Links
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
