Deadline Date: March 14, 2025
Donor Name: RES4Africa Foundation
The RES4Africa Foundation has announced the launch of the Open Call for the 2025 Batch of RAISEAfrica – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs 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.
Under this initiative, young innovators are invited to submit innovative business proposals, ranging from new ideas to on-going projects. RAISEAfrica will select up to six startups/entrepreneurs to be included in the preacceleration and acceleration programmes, that include a comprehensive package of services, encompassing Mentoring & Coaching, Networking & Visibility, Fundraising, and various other activities (please note that all activity and services will be delivered in English).
Visibility is identified as a pivotal asset for startups, attracting customers, employees, and potential investors. Leveraging their extensive global recognition, particularly in the African continent, selected entrepreneurs and start-ups will have the opportunity to participate in conferences, meet & greets, speak in panel discussions, and partake in site visits organized by their esteemed partners.
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.
Pre-Accelerator and Accelerator Programme
- RAISEAfrica comprises both an accelerator and a pre-accelerator, each designed with specific objectives. The Pre-Accelerator is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and startups in the early stages of developing a business idea. The primary goal is to assist them in crafting and validating their business plan, creating a Minimum Viable Product, and establishing functional market access.
- The Accelerator is tailored for entrepreneurs and startups looking for market validation and business expansion.
- The primary objectives include developing a bankable product, finalizing a robust team, building an expansive business network, and solidifying a recurring clientele. The primary distinction lies in the inclusion, but not limitation, of a Minimum Viable Product in the preaccelerator phase
Funding Information
- As an integral component of the RAISEAfrica program, participants will have exclusive access to an entry token of 3.000,00 euros and the possibility to compete for the Young Talent of the Year Award at the end of the year for a prize of between 5.000,00 euros and 10.000,00 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.
Eligibility 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 startup must operate in the renewable energy sector.
- The entrepreneur must have proficiency in English.
Evaluation 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.
- Innovation of the enterprise’s solution.
- Financial feasibility and solidity of the business model.
- Market size, scalability, and replicability of the solution.
- Ability to demonstrate the business case, value proposition, and competitive advantage of the enterprise.
- Predisposition of the entrepreneur to be self-driven, resilient, committed and available for mentoring and coaching activities.
