UK-based energy technology company Octopus Energy has opened applications for its 2026 Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award, offering three African clean-energy startups a share of $100,000 in grant funding.
The competition is organised in partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and is supported by Nigerian solar energy company Salpha Energy this year. It aims to help early-stage businesses develop and deploy technologies addressing Africa’s energy challenges.
The award targets startups working across clean power generation, electricity distribution, grid management and energy storage. Winners will receive grant funding, mentorship, industry resources, and visibility to help them scale their products and attract further investment.
The competition follows the inaugural award in 2025, which attracted more than 50 clean-tech startups from eight African countries.
Nigerian startup Nimsy Agro Solar Concept took the top prize for its solar-powered irrigation pumps, which help smallholder farmers reduce their reliance on diesel-powered water pumps. The company has since used the award’s support to develop and pilot a solar irrigation reservoir in Kaduna State.
Two other recipients demonstrated different applications of clean-energy technology. PAM AI uses technology to optimise mini-grid operations, while KAMIM Technologies develops solar-powered cooling systems designed to help farmers preserve produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
Octopus Energy’s involvement reflects a wider effort to connect African energy entrepreneurs with international expertise, networks and investment.
The company, which operates across the global energy market, has also outlined ambitions to catalyse $450 million in clean-energy investment across Africa through its Power Africa Initiative.
Salpha Energy’s participation also gives the competition a direct Nigerian industry connection. The company develops and distributes solar solutions for households and businesses with limited access to reliable electricity.
For founders developing energy technologies in sub-Saharan Africa, the award offers a potential route to non-dilutive funding and industry support without the ownership trade-off associated with equity financing.
Who can apply?
The competition is open to technology-focused startups based in sub-Saharan Africa that were founded no more than five years ago and have fewer than 20 full-time employees.
Applicants will be assessed on five areas: the uniqueness of their innovation, how their technology improves access to clean and reliable energy, the scalability of their business, its potential impact on communities, and the expertise of the founding team.
The organisers are particularly interested in solutions that can move beyond a promising concept to deliver measurable benefits for households, businesses and communities.
Eligible founders have until December 11, 2026, to submit their applications through the Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award.
