Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition 2026 (Up To ₦390,000 Grant)

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Applications are open for Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition 2026.Young Nigerians aged 18–35 can win a ₦390,000 grant, mentorship, and a place in the Solar Power Nigeria Fellowship. Entries close on 24 November 2026.

Nigeria has the largest energy access gap in the world. According to Abba Aliyu, MD and CEO of Rural Electrification Agency, more than 85 million Nigerians have no access to grid electricity, and many of those connected get less than 12 hours of supply a day. That gap holds back classrooms, healthcare, and the young people whose businesses depend on power.

The Solar Power Nigeria coalition led by Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) with implementation by the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) is responding. Today, the coalition launched the Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition, inviting young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 to design a three-month campaign that advances energy access in a state or community they know.

Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition Benefits

Seven winners will become Solar Power Nigeria Fellows. Each Fellow receives:

A ₦390,000 grant to deliver their three-month project
Expert mentorship and access to sector partners
Media exposure and opportunities to engage with policymakers

In addition, two outstanding Fellows will each nominate a public primary school or public health facility to receive a full solar PV system, with a public handover event to mark each installation.

Eligibility Criteria

Any young Nigerian aged 18 to 35, in any state, with an idea for their community.
You do not need to be an engineer or an energy expert, you need a clear idea and a plan.
You can propose an advocacy campaign aimed at decision makers and the public to improve energy access in your community or a practical community solution/idea showing how energy access would improve real people’s quality of life.

A five-member Competition Review Panel will carry out a technical review of entries. Shortlisted entrants will present their ideas at pitch sessions, and the Fellows will be announced in late December 2026.