Call for RAISEAfrica 2026 – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs is open now!!!
RES4Africa Foundation has launched the Open Call for the 2026 edition of RAISEAfrica – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa, continuing its commitment to empowering young innovators driving the continent’s energy transition.
The programme is designed to support African entrepreneurs and startups working in the renewable energy sector, offering pathways to help transform ideas into scalable and impactful businesses.
Implemented with the support of Enel Green Power and the European Investment Bank, and in collaboration with EY Foundation, EDP, CSIR, and SAICA ED, RAISEAfrica provides selected participants with a comprehensive package of services, including mentoring and coaching, networking opportunities, visibility, and fundraising support. Participants will also have the chance to engage in international events and connect with key stakeholders across the energy ecosystem.
The call is open to entrepreneurs and startups developing innovative solutions for the African renewable energy market, ranging from early-stage ideas to more advanced projects. Up to six startups or entrepreneurs will be selected to join the programme and will receive an entry contribution of €3,000, along with the opportunity to compete for the “Young Talent of the Year Award,” with a final prize ranging from €5,000 to €10,000.
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Thematic Focus
They encourage applications from innovative African start-ups and young entrepreneurs, supporting ventures from early-stage business ideas through development and scale-up. The programme focuses on Entrepreneurship and Renewable Energy solutions, accompanying participants along the full innovation journey, from concept validation to market growth. The envisioned concepts and projects should showcase the ingenuity of these innovators and address a wide range of areas, including but not limited to Technology, Manufacturing, Digitalization, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, Circular Economy, and New Business Models. Overall, they welcome proposals that foster innovation and scalable impact through start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures operating in the dynamic renewable energy sector.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Eligibility and selection criteria
Applicants must:
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be African citizens or represent startups registered in Africa
• Develop solutions addressing the African market within the renewable energy sector
• Demonstrate proficiency in English
Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance and impact of the proposed solution, its level of innovation, the solidity of the business model, scalability, and the entrepreneur’s commitment and motivation. RES4Africa promotes gender balance in the selection process and strongly encourages women to apply.
The application process is now open, and interested entrepreneurs can apply directly through the link in the application form below. For more information, please refer to the full Call for Application.
All applications must be submitted by May 17, 2026, at 10:59 PM (UTC+0)
Benefits
- As an integral component of the RAISEAfrica program, participants will have exclusive access to an entry token of 3.000,00 euros and the possibility to compete for the Young Talent of the Year Award at the end of the year for a prize of between 5.000,00 euros and 10.000,00 euros.
- This dedicated fund is designed to provide crucial financial support to the most promising entrepreneurs and startups that demonstrate significant potential and growth prospects by the conclusion of the program.
Eligibilities
- To be selected and evaluated, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Entrepreneurs must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Solution should address the African market.
- Ownership: to be eligible the entrepreneur must possess an African country citizenship either the startup must be registered in Africa.
- The startup must operate in the renewable energy sector.
- The entrepreneur must have proficiency in English.
2. Eligible applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of the problem/need identified and ability to impact the renewable energy sector while fostering access to energy, job creation, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and economic growth.
- Innovation of the enterprise’s solution.
- Financial feasibility and solidity of the business model.
- Market size, scalability, and replicability of the solution.
- Ability to demonstrate the business case, value proposition, and competitive advantage of the enterprise.
- Predisposition of the entrepreneur to be self-driven, resilient, committed and available for mentoring and coaching activities.
3. RES4Africa Foundation promotes gender balance in the selection of participants, therefore women applicants are highly encouraged to participate.
4. Groups of work are also considered eligible.
5. The composition of the group of work should be clearly indicated with name and contacts of all members of the group. Each applicant cannot submit more than 1 application as single applicant or as member of a group of work
Eligible Regions: AfricaApplication Process
Apply directly using the “Apply Now” link
Application Deadline: May 17, 2026 (16 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
