ECOWAS ROGEAP Regional Solar Business Plan Competition 2026 for Africa Entreprenuers (Up to $20,000 in Grants)

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Applications are open ECOWAS ROGEAP Regional Solar Business Plan Competition 2026. ROGEAP Regional Solar Business Plan Competition is an initiative aimed at supporting renewable energy entrepreneurs and MSMEs across West Africa. The competition provides funding and business support for innovative solar energy solutions that can expand access to clean energy in the region.

The ROGEAP Solar Business Plan Competition is designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the off-grid solar sector. It targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) developing solutions that can improve electricity access in rural and underserved communities.

This program provides opportunities for capacity building, mentorship, and networking in the ROGEAP Business Bootcamp towards strengthening their entrepreneurial skills, and refining their business models.

ROGEAP Regional Solar Business Plan Competition Objectives

To stimulate the development of innovation within the Off-Grid Electrification Sector’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Facilitate access to further financial and technical support schemes from ROGEAP or follow-on investment.
To promote and support sustainable, gender, social and environmental sensitive SMEs in the off grid solar sector.
Identify and showcase promising business ideas and ventures that have the potential to make a significant impact in off-grid electrification, whether through technological innovation, business model innovation, or both.
Attract investment and financing for off-grid electrification projects by showcasing viable investment opportunities and connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors, including venture capitalists, impact investors, and development finance institutions.

Awards

Phase 1: a one-week regional bootcamp
Phase 2: Package of technical assistance
Phase 3: Prizes will be awarded during the Business Plan Competition :
- 1st Prize: $5,000
- Other Prize: $2,500 (5 awardees)
- Additional Equalisation Award to the best woman lead competitor: $4,000

Eligibility Criteria for ROGEAP Regional Solar Business Plan Competition

Business owner that is a citizen of a ROGEAP country or that has a locally registered business .
Candidates must be entrepreneurs and/or SMEs from eligible ROGEAP countries.
Present a business plan to venture in off grid solar sector.
Locally registered company within the eligible ROGEAP countries.
Must be willing to comply with environmental and social safeguards
Be willing to report performance during ROGEAP project phase period
Countries eligible are all SMEs within the 19 countries of implementation (Republic of Benin, Republic of Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Republic of Côte D’Ivoire, Islamic Republic of The Gambia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Mali, Republic of Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Senegal, Republic of Sierra Leone, and Republic of Togo).