Deadline: January 16, 2026
The ClimaFii Alliance 2026: Funding Support for Climate and Clean Energy Innovators in Africa (Up to $70,000 Grant) is now open for applications, offering catalytic funding, technical assistance, and strategic venture support to early-stage climate and clean energy innovators across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This opportunity is designed to help climate-focused startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs validate, refine, and scale solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and income for microentrepreneurs while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
Overview of the ClimaFii Alliance 2026 Programme
The Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance is a five-year global initiative launched by Shell Foundation and Accion, with programme implementation led by BFA Global in Sub-Saharan Africa and Upaya Social Ventures in India.
The programme focuses on supporting climate and clean energy innovations that combine technology, inclusive finance, and scalable business models to serve microentrepreneurs and small businesses operating in climate-vulnerable communities.
For the 2026 cohort, the ClimaFii Alliance is seeking high-potential ventures that are ready to test, refine, or expand solutions with demonstrated market relevance.
Funding and Support Offered
Selected startups and SMEs under the ClimaFii Alliance 2026 will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:
Catalytic Grant Funding
- Up to $70,000 in milestone-based catalytic funding
- Funding supports product testing, market pilots, operational refinement, and early-stage scaling
Tailored Venture Support
- Hands-on technical assistance tailored to each venture’s needs
- Support across product development, pricing, unit economics, operations, and go-to-market strategy
Financial Innovation and Pilot Support
- Guidance to design and test affordable financing solutions for customers, including credit, pay-as-you-go models, and embedded finance
- Opportunities to partner with financial service providers
Investor and Market Access
- Exposure to relevant investors and ecosystem partners
- Support to strengthen investment readiness and unlock follow-on capital
Peer Learning and Ecosystem Engagement
- Knowledge sharing and collaboration with other climate innovators
- Access to insights, tools, and learning within a broader climate innovation ecosystem
Who Should Apply
The programme is open to early-stage startups and SMEs that meet the following criteria:
- Registered and operational in Sub-Saharan Africa, with at least one co-founder based in the region
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or demonstrated market usage
- Provide solutions that improve productivity, income, or resilience for microentrepreneurs
- Operate in climate-relevant sectors such as clean energy, mobility, circular economy, or climate-enabled finance
- Have the potential to reach approximately 2,000 microentrepreneur customers within one year of programme participation
- Are open to collaboration and capable of scaling impact
Women-led businesses and ventures that significantly benefit women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Priority Focus Areas
The ClimaFii Alliance 2026 supports a wide range of climate and clean energy innovations, including but not limited to:
- Clean and renewable energy solutions (solar, bioenergy, distributed energy systems)
- Productive-use energy technologies for agriculture, processing, cold storage, and small manufacturing
- Electric mobility and low-emission transport solutions for micro and small operators
- Circular economy and waste-to-energy models
- Fintech and digital platforms that improve access to climate-relevant products and finance
- Climate resilience and nature-positive technologies, including IoT-enabled solutions
Programme Timeline
- Applications open: December 2025
- Application deadline: January 2026
- Programme start: 2026 cohort
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required information is clearly presented.
Why Apply for ClimaFii Alliance 2026
Participating in the ClimaFii Alliance 2026: Funding Support for Climate and Clean Energy Innovators in Africa (Up to $70,000 Grant) provides more than funding. It offers a structured pathway to strengthen business fundamentals, validate climate impact, access finance partners, and position ventures for long-term scale and sustainability.
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