Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa

RAISEAfrica will select a minimum of three startups/entrepreneurs to be included in the pre-acceleration and acceleration programmes, that include a comprehensive package of services, encompassing Mentoring & Coaching, Networking & Visibility, Fundraising, and various other activities.

In pursuit of this objective and with the backing of Enel Green Power, EDP, CSIR, and SAICA ED, all renowned for their expertise in the renewable and innovation sectors, RES4Africa is introducing RAISEAfrica – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa. This initiative, encompassing preacceleration and acceleration programs, is specifically designed for the renewable energy sector in Africa.

The overarching goal of RAISEAfrica is to support and scale up renewable energy-focused businesses within the African startup ecosystem. This involves assisting innovative business ideas from both aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the African renewable energy sector, fostering the development and expansion of their enterprises.

Thematic Focus

• They encourage applications from young African entrepreneurs and professionals, emphasizing Entrepreneurship and Renewable Energy solutions. The envisioned concepts and projects should showcase the ingenuity of these individuals and focus on various aspects including but not confined to areas such as Technology, Manufacturing, Digitalization, Water-Energy-Food Nexus, Circular Economy, and New Business Models. In essence, they welcome proposals that foster innovation through the perspective of start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures in the dynamic field of renewable energy.

Monetary Prize

• As an integral component of the RAISEAfrica program, participants will have exclusive access to a growth fund of up to 20,000 euros. This dedicated fund is designed to provide crucial financial support to the most promising entrepreneurs and startups that demonstrate significant potential and growth prospects by the conclusion of the program.
• The disbursement of funds at the end of the program underscores the commitment to fostering the development and success of these entrepreneurial ventures, empowering them to thrive and make a lasting impact in the renewable energy sector.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria for the Pre-Accelerator
  • To be selected and evaluated, applicants must meet the following criteria:
    • Entrepreneurs must be between 18 and 35 years old
    • Startups that are not registered can apply
    • Solution should address the African market
    • Ownership: to be eligible either the entrepreneur must possess an African country citizenship either the startup must be registered in Africa
    • The startup must operate in the renewable energy sector.
  • Eligible applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
    • Relevance of the problem/need identified and ability to impact the renewable energy sector while fostering access to energy, job creation, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and economic growth.
    • Novelty of the proposed solution.
    • Financial feasibility and solidity of the idea/business model.
    • Scalability of the solution.
    • Predisposition of the entrepreneur to be self-driven, resilient, committed and available for mentoring and coaching activities.
• Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria for Accelerator
  • To be selected and evaluated, applicants must meet the following criteria:
    • Entrepreneurs must be between 18 and 35 years old.
    • Solution should address the African market.
    • Ownership: to be eligible either the entrepreneur must possess an African country citizenship either the startup must be registered in Africa.
    • The product/service must be at least at Minimum Viable Product stage.
    • The startup must operate in the renewable energy sector.
  • Eligible applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
    • Relevance of the problem/need identified and ability to impact the renewable energy sector while fostering access to energy, job creation, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and economic growth.
    • Novelty of the enterprise’s solution.
    • Financial feasibility and solidity of the business model.
    • Market sustainability of the enterprise.
    • Ability to demonstrate the business case, value proposition, and competitive advantage of the enterprise.
• Cross Cutting Eligibility Criteria (Pre-Accelerator and Accelerator)
  • RES4Africa Foundation promotes gender balance in the selection of participants, therefore women applicants are highly encouraged to participate. Groups of work are also considered eligible.
  • The composition of the group of work should be clearly indicated with name and contacts of all members of the group.
  • Each applicant cannot submit more than 1 application as single applicant or as member of a group of work.

For more information, visit RES4Africa Foundation.