Apply: 2026 Digital Energy Challenge Grant For Innovative SMEs

The UK in Nigeria s inviting innovative SMEs to apply for the 2026 Digital Energy Challenge Grant For Innovative SMEs. Applications are now open to SMEs including in Nigeria for the Digital Energy Challenge, co-funded by the UK and the EU, to support digital and Al-enabled clean energy solutions.

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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:

1. Tech Accelerator for innovative digital projects in one of the 51 specified countries in Africa

2. 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:

a.: Test solutions in real-world conditions

b. Demonstrate scalability and resilience

c. Develop innovations with strong R&D value

d. Create models replicable across other countries in Africa.

Funding & support:

A total budget of €827K will be allocated to selected projects to develop, test and implement innovative digital and Al-enabled solutions.

Winners benefit from:

a. Grants to contribute to costs for equipment, software, products or services and training, as well as expert support for project management.

b. Up to €400K (Partnership) o Up to €150K (Tech Accelerator)

c. Expert support and bootcamp for hand-on guidance, sector insights and collaboration opportunities between project winners and African utilities

d. Visibility and networking through communication campaigns piloted by AFD and access to the Digital Energy Community

How to apply:

Interested applicants should apply here https://digital-energy.eu/en/digital-energy-challenge-for-start-call-projects