The Digital Energy Challenge is an annual call for projects under the Digital Energy Facility, an EU-funded programme implemented by Agence française de Développement (AfD) and managed by the European Commission. The initiative is aimed at start-ups and public power providers developing innovative digital solutions in Africa. With a budget of 2 million euros for award winners, candidates can apply until April 30th, 2022.

The goals are to promote the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, improve the performance of public power utilities and support universal access to energy. It is open to start-ups and public utility companies in partnership with innovative technology or service providers.

Who can apply?

The Digital Energy Challenge includes two categories: 

1. The Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups to help local start-ups scale up their digital innovations projects for better energy access and improved energy services.
2. The Digital Energy Challenge for Utilities for projects stemming from partnerships between public power utilities and private players, supporting local utilities in the testing and implementation of digital innovations provided by technology or service suppliers.

What business activities are included in the scope of the Challenge? 

This 2nd edition will run from 1 March to 30 April 2022. It is dedicated to innovative digital-energy projects from all over Africa for:

1.       Universal electricity access through mini-grids

2.       Efficient grid management

3.       Sustainable and cost-effective power systems