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"Digital Energy Challenge - Tech Accelerator" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
Digital Energy Challenge - Tech Accelerator is sponsored by Digital Energy Challenge. This program supports digital innovations in the energy sector across 51 eligible African countries, focusing on transforming energy access. It aims to fund projects related to digital solutions that improve electricity access and operations.
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Call for Projects 2026 | Digital Energy Facility Bring your innovation to scale across Africa Do you have a cutting-edge digital product or service that can increase energy access, accelerate the energy transition, or improve the operational efficiency of energy utilities in Africa?
The 2026 Digital Energy Challenge Call for Projects invites innovative SMEs to apply in one or both of the following categories Tech Accelerator for innovative digital projects in one of the 51 specified countries in Africa Partnership for a collaborative project in Nigeria, developed with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) Nigeria represents one of the most demanding and impactful environments for energy innovation.
With around 90 million lacking reliable electricity, it offers a unique opportunity to: Test solutions in real-world conditions Demonstrate scalability and resilience Develop innovations with strong R&D value Create models replicable across other countries in Africa. A total budget of €827K will be allocated to selected projects to develop, test and implement innovative digital and AI-enabled solutions.
Grants to contribute to costs for equipment, software, products or services and training, as well as expert support for project management.
Up to €400K (Partnership) Up to €150K (Tech Accelerator) Expert support and bootcamp for hand-on guidance, sector insights and collaboration opportunities between project winners and African utilities Visibility and networking through communication campaigns piloted by AFD and access to the Digital Energy Community Discover previous winners Discover the bootcamp experience 17th June 2026 - 23:59 CET Deadline for submission of applications Selection results and bootcamp The themes of the two categories are structured around three priority areas that represent common challenges for AEDC and several African utilities: optimizing planning and investments, integrating data from mini-grids, and improving network operations.
In this context, the selected themes are: Product 1: Grid Planning and Investment Optimization Product 2: Microgrid and DER Management Platform Product 3: Data Platform and Integrated Network Visibility For the Partnership category, applicants are invited to submit proposals covering one or several products. However, preference will be given to proposals that cover all products.
For the Tech Accelerator category, applicants are required to submit a proposal covering one product only. For a detailed description of each theme, please see the Challenge Rules in the Application Pack.
The 2026 Call for Projects is open to innovative SMEs that: Employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of less than €50M Are independent (ownership criteria apply)* Have a strong R&D component* Have no conflict of interest with AEDC While companies from around the world are invited to apply, proposals from local African companies are strongly encouraged and will receive favourable consideration.
* Please consult the Challenge Rules for full definitions and applicable conditions Be digital by nature (software, data, telecom, cloud-based technology etc.) Demonstrate innovation (new or adapted to local context) Include a clear R&D dimension Address the 2026 thematic priorities Be beyond ideation stage (already piloted) Be implementable within 12 months Not depend on regulatory changes Tech Accelerator: the project must take place in an eligible African country (see list below).
Partnership: the project must take place in Nigeria with AEDC The Digital Energy Challenge Call for Projects 2026 supports projects in the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, 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.
If applying to both categories, candidates must download, complete and submit a separate application for each category. Download the appropriate category application pack Download Partnership application pack Download Tech Accelerator application pack Join the information webinar on 5th May 2026 at 11:00 CET. The webinar will be recorded.
Complete the application form and prepare the required documents Submit your project by 17th June 2026 - 23:59 CET Submit application for Partnership Challenge Submit application for Tech Accelerator category Consult the Application Journey document available in the Application Pack. Consult the FAQ which will be updated regularly Join the Challenge mailing list and ask any questions by contacting us .
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According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Independent SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and turnover under €50 million, with a strong R&D component. Companies from anywhere in the world can apply, but African-based firms are strongly encouraged and will receive favorable consideration. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to €150,000 per project. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was June 17, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Digital Energy Challenge - Tech Accelerator is funded by Digital Energy Challenge. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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