Africa stands at the precipice of a profound energy transformation, a shift increasingly driven by the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its youth. Recognizing this immense potential, the RES4Africa Foundation has proudly launched the Open Call for the 2026 edition of RAISEAfrica – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa.
This initiative reaffirms RES4Africa’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who are actively shaping the continent’s sustainable energy future. The RAISEAfrica program is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and scalable, impactful businesses within Africa’s burgeoning renewable energy sector. It serves as a vital platform for young entrepreneurs and startups, offering a comprehensive ecosystem of support crucial for navigating the complexities of market entry and growth.
The program’s strength lies in its collaborative foundation, implemented with the steadfast support of industry giants like Enel Green Power (EGP) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), alongside key partners such as the EY Foundation, EDP, CSIR, and SAICA ED.
This powerful consortium provides selected participants with invaluable mentoring, coaching, networking opportunities, enhanced visibility, and critical fundraising assistance, enabling them to transform their visions into tangible realities. For the 2026 cohort, up to six promising startups or entrepreneurs will be selected to embark on this transformative journey. Each will receive an initial entry contribution of €3,000, a crucial seed for early-stage development.
Beyond financial support, participants gain unparalleled access to international events and direct engagement with key stakeholders across the global energy ecosystem. A highlight of the program is the opportunity to compete for the prestigious “Young Talent of the Year Award,” which carries a substantial final prize ranging from €5,000 to €10,000, providing further impetus for innovation and excellence.
The call is open to a diverse range of innovators, from those with nascent ideas to those with more advanced projects, all focused on developing solutions for the African renewable energy market. Eligibility criteria are clear: applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, be African citizens or represent startups registered in Africa, and demonstrate proficiency in English. Solutions must specifically address the African market within the renewable energy sector.
The selection process is rigorous, evaluating proposals based on their relevance, potential impact, level of innovation, business model solidity, scalability, and the entrepreneur’s personal commitment and motivation.
Notably, RES4Africa actively promotes gender balance, strongly encouraging women entrepreneurs to apply, thereby fostering a more inclusive and diverse innovation landscape. The timing of RAISEAfrica is particularly pertinent given the dynamic growth of Africa’s clean energy startup ecosystem. Private sector investment in clean energy across Africa surged from approximately $17 billion in 2019 to nearly $40 billion in 2024, with clean energy tech startups even surpassing fintech in funding in some regions in 2025.
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This trend underscores the continent’s immense potential and the critical role young innovators play in harnessing its vast renewable resources. Past successes, such as Seka Jean Blaise from Cameroon, who won the 2025 Young Talent of the Year Award for his “WiseCool” solar-powered cold storage unit for rural clinics, exemplify the tangible impact of the program.
With Africa boasting the world’s youngest population—approximately 70% under the age of 30, investing in youth-led renewable energy entrepreneurship is not just beneficial; it is imperative for sustainable development and energy security.
The RAISEAfrica 2026 Open Call, with applications due by May 17th, 2026, at 11:59 PM (CET), represents a pivotal opportunity for young African visionaries to contribute to a greener, more prosperous future for their continent.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
