EEP Africa 2026 Call for Proposals - Clean Energy Project Funding

The Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP) Africa is opening its 2026 Call for Proposals for clean energy project funding across 16 partner countries in Southern and East Africa. EEP Africa is hosted by the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and supported by Austria, Finland, Iceland and others. The Fund supports innovative early-stage and growth-stage clean energy enterprises across solar, biomass, mini-grids, energy efficiency, e-mobility and clean cooking. Applicants can apply for grants and repayable grants between EUR 200,000 and EUR 500,000, with minimum required co-financing of 30-50% depending on project phase and company maturity. The application is a two-stage process (Expression of Interest, then Full Proposal) via the SmartME platform.

Selected projects implement clean energy initiatives per the approved proposal in eligible EEP Africa partner countries. Activities may include technology piloting, market expansion, product development, distribution scaling, financial model innovation and replication. Compliance with EEP Africa results framework, reporting and monitoring requirements. Co-financing from own resources or third parties as committed. Periodic project reports and final evaluation.

Legally registered clean energy enterprise (private sector) with demonstrated capability and traction. Operating or seeking to operate in eligible EEP Africa partner countries. Solution within EEP Africa thematic scope (solar, biomass, mini-grids, energy efficiency, e-mobility, clean cooking). Co-financing capacity (30-50% depending on phase). SmartME account for application submission.

EEP Africa two-stage evaluation: EoI shortlisting based on alignment with priorities and feasibility, pitch interviews for longlisted applicants, full proposal stage for shortlisted, final selection by Investment Committee with possible additional repayability conditions.