USADF Invites Proposals for Off-Grid Energy Challenge
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is calling for proposals from African off-grid energy companies for its Off-Grid Energy Challenge. This initiative offers grants of up to $250,000 to selected enterprises focused on increasing energy access across the continent.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must be majority African-owned and managed, and registered as private companies or organizations (including non-profits) in one of the following countries:
- Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (South Kivu), Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Goals of the Off-Grid Energy Challenge
The Off-Grid Energy Challenge aims to support sustainable energy solutions that increase access to electricity in underserved African communities. The initiative focuses on:
- Expanding Power Generation: Increasing electric power for unserved areas through sustainable, scalable business models.
- Promoting Off-Grid Solutions: Supporting home systems, micro-grids, and mini-grids to widen energy access.
- Encouraging Productive Uses of Electricity: Delivering power for commercial, industrial, healthcare, and agricultural activities to boost local economies.
- Increasing Women’s Participation: Promoting women-owned and managed energy enterprises to increase gender equity in the energy sector.
Part of the Beyond the Grid Initiative
The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is part of the Power Africa initiative, a US government-led partnership launched in 2013 to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Power Africa’s targets include adding 30,000 MW of installed power capacity and creating 60 million new connections, with 25-30 million of those expected through off-grid solutions.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete and submit the application template with all required attachments by December 12, 2024. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early submission is advised.
Apply Here