The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), an African development funder that supports innovative commercial businesses, has announced that the Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF) is now officially live and is accepting applications.
The ETCF – Nigeria programme, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW German Development Bank (KfW) and implemented by the AECF, aims to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.
The programme will support private sector-led solutions that expand access to affordable energy, promote productive energy use, and foster green and inclusive economic growth.
Why Apply?
By participating in the ETCF programme, organisations have the opportunity to:
- Access non-repayable grants ranging from EUR 100,000 – EUR 800,000 to scale their business.
- Receive targeted technical assistance and investment facilitation support.
- Contribute to Nigeria’s energy transition while creating a socio-economic impact.
How to Apply
The application process consists of two steps:
- Step 1: Submission of a concept note through the ETCF official application portal.
- Step 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a business and financial plan.
For more details on eligibility, focus areas, and the application process, please visit the ETCF webpage. Application closes on Friday, January 2, 2026. AECF aims to partner with shortlisted organisations to drive Nigeria’s energy transition forward.
Application Q and A Webinar
A webinar will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. (WAT) for interested applicants. To participate in the webinar, please register via the following Zoom link. For inquiries or further information, contact etcf-nigeria@aecfafrica.org.
About AECF and ECTF
The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a leading non-profit development organisation that supports innovative enterprises in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors, aiming to reduce rural poverty, promote resilient communities, and create jobs.
The Fund catalyses the private sector by surfacing and commercialising new ideas, business models, and technologies designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmer incomes, expand access to clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance resilience to the effects of climate change.
AECF has financed high-risk businesses that struggle to access commercial funding and is committed to working in frontier markets, fragile contexts, and high-risk economies where few mainstream financial institutions are willing to operate.
Over the course of 16 years, the Fund has supported 576 businesses in 26 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, positively impacting more than 36 million lives, creating over 38,000 direct jobs, and leveraging US$879 million in matching funds.
The Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF) is a four-year programme funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via KfW Development Bank (KfW) and implemented by the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. The programme supports Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which outlines pathways for transitioning the power, industry, and residential sectors.
The programme responds to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which requires an estimated USD 410 billion in incremental funding by 2060. By leveraging catalytic grants and blended finance, ETCF is designed to de-risk private sector investments, crowd in commercial capital, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.