Energy Transition Challenge Fund – Nigeria: Commercial and Industrial Window

The focus areas of the opportunity are increasing household access to modern, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions by supporting the transition from traditional fuels to clean and efficient technologies, accelerating the energy transition in the commercial, industrial, and agribusiness sectors by promoting investments in clean, efficient, and cost-effective energy solutions that contribute to climate goals, and powering public institutions with sustainable energy solutions while strengthening the skills and competencies needed for the energy transition through targeted investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

The ETCF programme provides three windows of funding opportunities. Window 1: Household Energy Access Window targets private sector companies that distribute renewable energy solutions for households and small businesses in rural and peri-urban areas, including clean cooking and off-grid technologies for productive use, with a minimum fund award of EUR 100,000 and a maximum of EUR 800,000 for agreements lasting up to 24 months, and matching funds at a 1:1 ratio with at least 80% in cash. Window 2: Commercial and Industrial Window targets private sector companies investing in renewable energy systems for use in commercial, industrial, and agribusiness settings, focusing on improving productivity, reducing fossil fuel use, and advancing climate goals, with funding ranging from EUR 100,000 to EUR 800,000 and agreement durations of 12 to 24 months, requiring matching funds at a 1:1 ratio with minimum 80% cash contribution. Window 3: Public Institutions supports schools, health centres, and local governments to access clean, reliable energy and invest in TVET institutions to build skills for Nigeria’s energy transition.

To be eligible for funding, private sector companies must request a grant within the stipulated range, be legally registered and physically established in Nigeria as a for-profit company with at least two full accounting years of operation, and not have received a grant for the same project within six months prior to application. Companies must be aligned with the focus value chains, pass AECF’s KYC, AMT/CFT, PEP, and integrity due diligence screenings, demonstrate commitment to matching AECF funding as required, and comply with national laws, including tax compliance, as well as international human rights, labor standards, and environmental management laws. Applicants must not be involved in corruption, prohibited activities, or government representation, and must grant AECF and KfW open-book access to all relevant records for due diligence.

For more information, visit AECF.