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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Technology

UK Invites African Innovators, Including Nigerians, to €827,000 Digital Energy Challenge

From The Punch · (5m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The UK has invited innovators and SMEs across Africa, including Nigeria, to apply for the 2026 Digital Energy Challenge.
  • The challenge seeks digital and AI-enabled solutions to improve energy access and efficiency in Africa, co-funded by the UK and EU.
  • Selected projects can receive up to €827,000 in funding, with applications closing on June 17, 2026.

In a significant move to foster innovation across the continent, the United Kingdom has extended an invitation to African innovators and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the 2026 Digital Energy Challenge. This initiative, co-funded by the UK and the European Union, aims to harness the power of digital and artificial intelligence technologies to address critical energy challenges in Africa.

Tech Accelerator for innovative digital projects in one of the 51 specified countries in Africa, and “Partnership for a collaborative project in Nigeria, developed with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

— UK in NigeriaDescribing the two categories of the Digital Energy Challenge.

Nigeria, with its substantial energy deficit, is a key focus. The challenge specifically targets solutions that can enhance energy access, accelerate the energy transition, and boost the operational efficiency of electricity utilities. The program offers two distinct pathways: a Tech Accelerator for innovative digital projects across 51 African countries and a Partnership track for collaborative projects within Nigeria, notably involving the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

a total of €827,000 has been earmarked for selected projects.

— UK in NigeriaStating the total funding available for the challenge.

This program represents a crucial opportunity for Nigerian and other African innovators to not only receive substantial funding—up to €827,000 earmarked for selected projects—but also to test and scale their solutions in real-world conditions. The emphasis on digital and AI-driven approaches aligns with global trends and positions Africa to leapfrog traditional development stages in the energy sector. The UK's commitment, alongside the EU's, underscores a shared vision for a sustainable and accessible energy future for the continent, offering a tangible pathway for local expertise to make a global impact.

Applicants must be SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, annual turnover below €50 million, a strong research and development component, and no conflict of interest with AEDC.

— UK embassyOutlining the eligibility criteria for applicants.
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Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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