Applications are now open for the 2026 French Agency for Development (AFD) Digital Energy Challenge. The 2026 Digital Energy Challenge Call for Projects invites innovative SMEs to apply in one or both of these categories, Partnership for a collaborative project in Nigeria, developed with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Tech Accelerator for innovative digital projects in one of the 51 specified countries in Africa.
WORTH
- Grants to contribute to costs for equipment, software, products or services and training, as well as expert support for project management.
- Up to €400K (Partnership)
- Up to €150K (Tech Accelerator)
- Expert support and bootcamp for hand-on guidance, sector insights and collaboration opportunities between project winners and African utilities
- Visibility and networking through communication campaigns piloted by AFD and access to the Digital Energy Community
ELIGIBILITY
- Employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of less than €50M
- Are independent (ownership criteria apply)
- Have a strong R&D component
- Have no conflict of interest with AEDC
- Be digital by nature (software, data, telecom, cloud-based technology etc.)
- Demonstrate innovation (new or adapted to local context)
- Include a clear R&D dimension
- Address the 2026 thematic priorities
- Be beyond ideation stage (already piloted)
- Be implementable within 12 months
- Not depend on regulatory changes
DEADLINE: June 17th, 2026
To apply and for more information, visit here