RES4Africa Foundation has announced the launch of RAISEAfrica – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa.
RES4Africa (Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa) is a foundation that works in support of Africa’s just energy transition in order to achieve the SDG7.
The new initiative, RAISEAfrica, is a comprehensive initiative that is specifically designed for the renewable energy sector in Africa.
Its aim is to empower young talents, innovators, and entrepreneurs to contribute to a thriving and sustainable future for Africa.
To achieve this aim, ResAfrica foundation is working in collaboration with ;
- Enel Green Power (EGP
- Energias De Portugal (EDP),
- the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and
- South African Institute of Chartered Accounts Enterprise Development (SAICA ED),
RES4Africa set up the initiative to support and scale up renewable energy-focused projects within the African startup ecosystem.
It works by providing opportunities and a platform for young innovators to voice their ideas.
The program focuses on but not limited to these areas ;
- Productive Uses of Energy,
- Water-Energy-Food Nexus,
- Circular Economy,
- Manufacturing, and
- Digitalization.
The RAISEAfrica initiative includes both pre-acceleration and acceleration programs.
The Pre-Accelerator program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in the early stages of developing a business idea.
The Accelerator program on the other hand caters to entrepreneurs seeking market validation and business expansion.
PREREQUISITES
Intending applicants must meet the following criteria ;
Pre-Accelerator:
- Entrepreneurs must be between 18 and 35 yrs old
- Startups not registered can apply
- Solution addressing the African market
- Ownership: the entrepreneur must possess African country citizenship or the startup must be registered in Africa
- Operation must be in the renewable energy sector.
Accelerator:
- Entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 years
- Solution must be addressing the African market
- Ownership: the entrepreneur must possess African country citizenship or the startup must be registered in Africa
- Product/service at least at the MVP stage;
- Operation must be in the renewable energy sector.
Applicants must complete the online standard application forms
All essential details and supporting documents must be provided in English language
A Selection Committee composed of the initiative representatives will check and evaluate the applications.
The cómitre will evaluate Shortlisted candidates on various criteria, including communication effectiveness and public speaking skills.
RAISEAfrica will choose a minimum of three businesses to receive awards in the form of services, encompassing mentoring & coaching, networking, visibility, fundraising, and various other activities. This is an open invitation to Young innovators to submit their concrete and creative ideas, drawings from existing experiences or ongoing projects.
The foundation strongly encourages female applicants to apply. as RAISEAfrica promotes gender balance in participant selection.
The deadline for applications submitting is February 29th, 2024. For more information and inquiries, please contact giovanni.formicola@res4africa.org.
