The United Kingdom has invited Nigerian innovators and small and medium-sized enterprises to apply for the 2026 Digital Energy Challenge, a funding initiative aimed at boosting energy access through digital and artificial intelligence solutions.
The call for applications was announced on Monday via the UK in Nigeria’s official X handle.
The programme, co-funded by the UK and the European Union, seeks innovative projects that can expand electricity access, drive energy transition, and enhance the efficiency of power utilities across Africa.
According to the organisers, applicants can submit entries under two categories: the Tech Accelerator, designed for digital innovation projects across 51 African countries, and the Partnership track, which focuses on collaborative solutions in Nigeria in partnership with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.
The UK noted that with an estimated 90 million Nigerians lacking reliable electricity, the initiative presents an opportunity for innovators to pilot scalable solutions, test them in real-world conditions, and develop models that can be replicated across the continent.
A total of €827,000 has been earmarked for selected projects, with successful applicants in the Tech Accelerator category eligible for up to €150,000, while those under the Partnership category can receive as much as €400,000.
The funding will cover project implementation costs, including equipment, software, and training, alongside technical support and expert guidance.
In addition, participants will benefit from bootcamps, networking opportunities, and visibility through communication campaigns driven by the Agence Française de Développement and the Digital Energy Community.
To qualify, applicants must be SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, an annual turnover below €50 million, and a strong research and development component. Projects must also be digital, beyond the ideation stage, and executable within 12 months.
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Applications, which opened on April 20, will close on June 17, 2026. Interested applicants have been advised to submit their entries through the official Digital Energy Challenge portal.
