WFP Niger Innovation Challenge: Energy for Food Security (up to US$250,000 conditional funding)

Reach us on

Applications are now open for WFP Niger Innovation Challenge. Energy acts as a catalyst for socio-economic transformations, influencing all dimensions of sustainable development. Access to energy is a cornerstone in achieving food security and eliminating hunger. Not only is energy essential for food consumption—much of the food distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) requires cooking—but it also plays a vital role throughout food systems in production, processing and preservation.

In Niger, communities face significant challenges of food insecurity and vulnerability due to climatic risks like droughts, floods and rising temperatures, coupled with environmental degradation and water scarcity. Heightened insecurity and the spillage of conflicts from neighboring countries into Niger exacerbate these issues, leading to forced displacements. A total of 3.3 million people are acutely food insecure.

To address these challenges, WFP Niger in collaboration with the WFP Innovation Accelerator is launching a call for applications for innovative solutions supporting the Energy for Food Security programme. This initiative aims to identify and scale cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions for cooking and agricultural practices across crisis-affected and stable regions of Niger.

They invite global and regional innovators, entrepreneurs and organizations to contribute impactful and fit-for-purpose solutions that can enhance energy access in vulnerable areas, fostering improved livelihoods and resilience. The WFP Innovation Accelerator and WFP Niger will provide comprehensive support to selected teams, facilitating the development and scaling of promising solutions. Our focus is on nurturing innovations that are not only novel but also sustainable and scalable, capable of bringing long-term change within challenging environments.

WFP Niger Innovation Challenge Benefits

Each selected team:

will have the opportunity to take part in the WFP sprint programme, a six-month acceleration programme combined with piloting, business training and mentoring;
will receive up to US$250,000 conditional funding* towards project implementation. The specific amount will be determined based on the maturity stage of the solution and the three thematic areas listed below.
will receive ongoing operational support from WFP Niger during piloting;
may qualify for further support and fundraising opportunities in the future.

*Please note that the final shortlisted teams will be required to go through the WFP vendor registration and procurement process before funding disbursement.

WFP Niger Innovation Challenge Requirement

For this innovation challenge, WFP Niger is looking for both low- and high-tech solutions specifically tailored to strengthen local food systems through the provision of clean cooking and productive uses of energy.
They aim to identify and support innovations from around the world that can effectively address these challenges and are operational or able to be implemented in Niger. The three innovation thematic areas are listed below:
- Energizing Homes in Displacement Settings
- Energizing School Meals
- Energizing Farmer Organizations

Eligibility criteria

Your organization must be an established legal entity (for-profit, not-for-profit, social business, NGO, INGO).
Your organization should have an existing operational presence or willingness to establish a presence in Niger, through a subsidiary, in-country office, distributors or partnerships in the country.
Your innovation must address one or more of the priority innovation areas listed.
Your innovation must be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. Proof-of-concept and initial traction are preferred.
Your innovation should have a plan to implement in Niger within a six-month timeframe with the available funding and a clear pathway to scale.

How to apply

To submit your application, please fill in the Application Form by 14 June 2024, 11:59 pm (CEST).
We will review and select successful applications in June and July 2024. While we value all applications, please note that we are only able to contact shortlisted applicants.
For more information, please refer to the Call for Applications, Solution Specifications and Frequently Asked Questions.

Application Deadline: 14 June 2024