The Digital Energy Challenge: driving digital innovation for energy in Africa
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative digital solutions that expand access to energy, facilitate the integration of renewable energy, and enhance the performance of energy operators across Africa.
Launched in 2021 by the Agence française de développement (AFD) and co-funded by the European Union through its Global Gateway initiative and the Digital for Development Hub (D4D Hub), the Challenge has supported 47 projects across the African continent. These projects led by start-ups, technology providers and energy operators, apply digital technologies to concrete use cases such as energy planning, network management, mini-grids, renewable energy integration, operational performance and rural electrification.
A new partner in 2026
For its sixth edition, the Challenge welcomes the Transforming Energy Access (TEA), a research and innovation platform supporting the technologies, business models and skills needed to enable an inclusive clean energy transition. TEA joins as a partner for the Tech Accelerator category, providing financial support with UK aid from the UK government.
2026 Challenge : categories and theme
The 2026 Call for Projects focuses on three priority areas: optimizing planning and investments, integrating mini-grid data, and improving network operations. The Challenge is structured around two complementary categories, in line with this year’s themes:
- Tech Accelerator supporting high-potential digital innovation projects across any of the 51 specified countries in Africa
- Partnership supporting a flagship collaborative project in Nigeria, led by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in partnership with an innovative SME
Nigeria: a real-world innovation lab
With over 200 million inhabitants and around 90 million people still lacking access to electricity, Nigeria faces one of the largest energy access gaps in the world. This context, combined with the rapid growth of mini-grids and off-grid solar, creates a unique environment to test, refine and scale digital solutions in conditions that reflect real operational challenges across other countries in Africa.
Key dates
20th April 2026
Call for projects opens
5th May 2026
Information webinar
17th June 2026 - 23:59 CET
Deadline for submission of applications
Autumn 2026
Selection results and bootcamp
Benefits for challenge winners
Selected projects, one Partnership project and three to four Tech Accelerator projects, will benefit from:
- Financial support to implement the solutions
- Technical guidance including an expert-led bootcamp
- High visibility within the Digital Energy ecosystem
Additional benefits :
- Tech Accelerator: support throughout the project implementation
Partnership: in-depth financial and strategic support
Interested in applying?
Find full details on eligibility, themes and funding
