Deadline: May 16, 2025
Are you a startup developing digital innovation projects in Africa’s energy sector? The 2025 Digital Energy Challenge is now open for applications, offering up to €150,000 in grant funding for startups committed to accelerating energy access, energy transition, and improving operational efficiency in Africa’s energy industry.
What is the Digital Energy Challenge?
The Digital Energy Challenge for Startups is an initiative aimed at supporting 3 to 4 startups that are leveraging digital solutions to drive impactful change in Africa’s energy landscape. The challenge focuses on three key themes:
- Universal Electricity Access & Mini-Grids
- Digital innovations improving mini-grid efficiency and integration.
- Energy management systems for optimal use of renewable energy.
- Smart storage solutions minimizing reliance on fossil fuel generators.
- Geospatial data analytics for demand forecasting and credit risk assessment.
- Efficient Grid Management
- Digital services enhancing grid operations and service quality.
- Real-time communication and information systems for power grid stability.
- Technologies improving business-as-usual grid management practices.
- Resilience & Decarbonization of Power Systems
- Digital solutions supporting a greener and more resilient power infrastructure.
- Enhancing renewable energy integration and grid flexibility.
- Energy-saving innovations for commercial, industrial, and household use.
Eligibility Criteria
Startups must meet the following conditions:
- Established less than 10 years ago.
- In the pre-seed or early-stage financing phase (less than €1M in funding raised).
- Annual turnover below €1M.
- Employ between 1 and 99 full-time employees.
- NGOs can apply if their project:
- Is registered as a company under the NGO.
- Has a dedicated team, business plan, and aims for long-term sustainability.
Additionally, projects must be:
- Digital: Based on telecom, computing, or cloud-based technology.
- Innovative: A new approach either inherently or within the local market.
- Local: The startup must be headquartered in, or have operational activities within, the project country.
Eligible Countries
Startups from the following African countries are eligible to apply: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Benefits for Winning Startups
Each selected startup will receive:
- Up to €150,000 in financial support, covering:
- Equipment and software purchases.
- Training and recruitment expenses.
- Technical assistance, including:
- Project management support.
- Strategic and technical expertise.
- Accounting and reporting guidance.
- A bootcamp run by industry experts to:
- Support project execution.
- Provide insights into the energy sector.
- Encourage networking and knowledge-sharing.
- Visibility and promotional support, with widespread media coverage during:
- The selection phase.
- Award ceremony.
- Bootcamp and post-program campaigns.
How to Apply
Startups interested in applying for the 2025 Digital Energy Challenge must submit their applications before May 16, 2025.
For full details and to apply, visit the official application page.