USADF begins $250,000 off-grid energy challenge, accepts proposals from start-ups
Oredola Adeola
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is receiving proposals from eligible African off-grid energy companies for the 2023 USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge with grant capital of up to $250,000.
This was contained in a statement released by the independent United States government’s enterprise development agency.
EnergyDay gathered that the off-grid energy challenge is an annual challenge dedicated to identifying and scaling innovative off-grid solutions to “power up” unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria.
USADF, is a founding member of the U.S.-led Power Africa Initiative and an independent U.S. Government agency established by Congress to support and invest in African-owned and led enterprises.
Travis Adkins, USADF President and CEO (P/CEO) in a recent statement during the Supporting Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and Just Energy Transition summit event, said that the agency will provide millions in funding directly to African SMEs that demonstrate a sustainable, scalable business model for addressing insufficient energy access in their communities.
EnergyDay gathered that Since the inception of USADF’s off-grid energy portfolio in 2014, the agency has made close to 150 investments in African energy SMEs that have established 100,000+ energy connections that benefit over 500,000 people.
In 2022, thirteen energy enterprises emerged successful winners of the challenge. The companies were A1 Power Technologies, Alabaster Agro-Allied Industries, Bols N Sels Technologies, CeeSolar Energy, Elvees Engineering, Enercity Smart Grid, First Electric, GreenPower Overseas, Manamuz Electric, Novel Integrated Services, PowerStove Off-Grid Electricity, Sendavis Nigeria Limited, and Uwana Energy.
All 13 start-ups in 2022, received $50,000 in convertible debt from All On, $25,000 in grant capital from USADF, and $25,000 in grant capital from All On with support from Rockefeller Foundation financing through the All On Hub.
EnergyDay’s check showed that the deadline for submission to USADF is Monday, February 12,2023.
