FEC 2026 Innovation Challenge

A continental competition for young African innovators to submit breakthrough solutions addressing Africa's energy challenges. You'll develop innovations in renewable energy, smart grids, clean cooking, circular economy, or advanced battery technologies. Selected finalists pitch their ideas live at the Future of Energy Conference in Accra, Ghana, in front of over 1,000 stakeholders including investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Winners receive cash prizes, mentorship through ACEP's Climate Innovation Hub, and high-level networking opportunities to scale their solutions across Africa.

• Open to young African innovators between the ages of 15 and 35, whether they are based on the continent or part of the diaspora. Applicants must be nationals of an African country and should be working on solutions that address real energy challenges relevant to Africa. The programme accepts submissions from individuals or teams, although only one representative per team will be sponsored to attend the final event. Applicants must have a solution that goes beyond a basic idea, meaning it should be at least at the prototype or pilot-testing stage. Purely conceptual ideas without proof of feasibility are not considered. Innovations should demonstrate originality or meaningful improvement on existing solutions, particularly in terms of cost, usability, scalability, or relevance to African contexts.
• Entrepreneur
• Running a project or organization