Renewable Energy Grants in Africa
Applications are now open for the 2025 Renewable Energy Grants in Africa (PREO) program, offering grants of up to EUR 300,000 to support the implementation of Productive Uses of Renewable Energy (PURE) in sub-Saharan Africa.
This initiative aims to foster innovative renewable energy solutions that drive local economic growth, align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and empower communities.
What is PREO?
PREO, a transformative program, champions the productive use of renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific Island Countries. By focusing on PURE, the program promotes sustainable economic development, accelerates global progress toward SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG13 (Climate Action), and contributes to a fair global clean energy transition.
The program is designed to bolster investment and foster innovative business models that can harness renewable energy for practical, everyday use.
From solar-powered water pumps for irrigation to electric mobility solutions for taxi drivers, PREO is committed to creating impactful and scalable solutions that meet the needs of local communities.
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About the Open Call
This open call invites applications from enterprises that are pioneering innovative PURE business models in sub-Saharan Africa. Projects can focus on areas such as:
- Solar water pumping for irrigation
- Cold storage for food preservation
- Agro-processing of crops, including milling, drying, and oil pressing
- Food value chain processing activities
- Electric mobility solutions for taxi drivers, fishing boats, and other sectors
Whether you are a start-up in the advanced concept stage or an operational small or medium-sized enterprise, this call is your chance to bring transformative ideas to life.
Program Details
- Type: Accelerator Program
- Sponsor: PREO
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Value: Up to EUR 300,000
- Deadline: January 31, 2025
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 PREO grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Geographic Eligibility:
- Projects must be implemented in sub-Saharan African countries, excluding South Africa.
- Eligible countries include Nigeria, Burundi, Somalia, Madagascar, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Entity Requirements:
- Any legally registered and physically established business or non-profit organization based in a sub-Saharan African country may apply.
- Applicants must be piloting a new or pivoting an existing business model focused on the productive use of renewable energy.
- Project Duration:
- Projects should be 12-24 months in length and must be completed by June 2027.
- Co-financing:
- Organizations must provide between 50-75% of additional co-financing. The exact percentage depends on the ownership structure (lower for sub-Saharan African-owned organizations).
- Ownership Criteria:
- Sub-Saharan African-owned businesses must have majority ownership (over 51%) held by citizens, diaspora citizens, refugees, migrants, or forcibly displaced individuals from the region.
- Female-owned organizations must demonstrate majority ownership by women in both legal and financial structures.
Why Apply?
By participating in the Renewable Energy Grants in Africa Program, organizations gain access to unparalleled resources and support, including:
- Financial grants of up to EUR 300,000.
- Opportunities to pilot and scale innovative renewable energy solutions.
- Support from PREO delivery partners, such as Energy 4 Impact (E4I).
- Contributions to a sustainable and inclusive global energy transition.
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Technical Assistance and Support
PREO provides technical assistance to help applicants refine their proposals and develop impactful projects. Key resources include:
- Webinars: Comprehensive sessions guiding applicants through the application process.
- FAQs and Guidance Documents: Detailed materials addressing common questions.
- Referral Support: Requests for technical assistance are directed to E4I.
Important Note:
One-on-one pre-application meetings or presentations are not available to ensure fairness. However, applicants are encouraged to use the available resources for guidance.
Grant Amount and Co-Financing Requirements
Applicants can request funding of up to EUR 300,000. However, co-financing is mandatory:
- Sub-Saharan African-owned organizations: Required to provide a lower percentage of co-financing (50%).
- Internationally owned organizations: Must contribute a higher co-financing percentage (75%).
This funding round is anticipated to be the final one until 2027, so interested organizations should act promptly to seize this opportunity.
Application Process
To apply for the 2025 PREO grant:
- Visit the official PREO website.
- Review the detailed guidance materials and FAQs.
- Complete and submit the online application form by January 31, 2025.
Eligible Entities
PREO accepts applications from a wide range of organizations, including:
- Start-ups registered in 2024 with no prior grant funding, provided they secure the required co-financing.
- Private/public companies, not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, community-based organizations, and state-owned entities.
- Educational institutions demonstrating compliance with ownership criteria.
Focus on Sustainability and Impact
PREO is dedicated to fostering sustainability and driving impactful change in sub-Saharan Africa. By investing in PURE solutions, the program aims to:
- Stimulate local economic growth.
- Reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
- Enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Future Funding Opportunities
While this is the final funding round in the current phase, applicants are encouraged to stay connected with PREO for updates on future initiatives. Additional funding opportunities may also be available through other UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office programs, such as Energy Catalyst.
Apply Now
Don’t miss your chance to transform lives and contribute to a sustainable future. Apply now for the 2025 Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) grant and join the movement toward a cleaner, greener world.