The award recognises companies making measurable progress in the clean energy sector and features two categories: Start Up and Scale Up.

The Start Up category targets early-stage businesses developing innovative solutions, testing business models or establishing their presence in the market. The Scale Up category, meanwhile, recognises companies expanding sales, securing capital and entering new markets.

The winners will be announced during EEP Africa Knowledge Week in February 2027. Interested companies must submit their nominations by November 20, 2026.

What the EEP Africa Project of the Year Award Offers

The award provides selected EEP Africa portfolio companies with an opportunity to showcase their achievements to a wider clean energy audience.

Benefits include industry recognition for businesses demonstrating measurable progress in clean energy innovation and business development. Winning projects and their achievements will also receive promotional visibility through EEP Africa’s social media channels.

Additionally, the overall winner will receive sponsorship to attend a relevant industry event in 2027. EEP Africa will also seek to secure a speaking opportunity for the winner at the sponsored event.

Shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to present their business achievements and cases to a jury of experts during an online pitching session scheduled for early 2027.

However, the Project of the Year award is primarily a recognition opportunity rather than a general startup funding programme. EEP Africa’s announcement does not specify any cash prize.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The opportunity is open to project developers with an active EEP Africa-funded project that commenced in 2020 or later.

Consequently, the award is not available to every African startup. Businesses must have an eligible EEP Africa-funded project to qualify for nomination.

EEP Africa is particularly encouraging nominations from locally owned and women-led companies.

Requirements for the Start Up Category

Early-stage businesses seeking consideration under the Start Up category must demonstrate verifiable achievements recorded during 2026.

Relevant accomplishments include developing and testing innovative solutions to clean energy challenges, demonstrating resilience in overcoming operational or market difficulties, and establishing strategic partnerships that contribute to business growth.

Other qualifying achievements include securing early-stage funding, identifying initial product-market fit, successfully adjusting a business model and maintaining effective communication with EEP Africa throughout the grant period.

Applicants are expected to provide evidence of actual progress rather than relying on general descriptions of their products or services. Demonstrable customer adoption, partnerships, fundraising activities, project delivery and progress towards commercial viability can strengthen their nominations.

Requirements for the Scale Up Category

The Scale Up category focuses on businesses making progress towards wider commercial expansion and increased impact.

EEP Africa will assess achievements such as substantial business growth, increased sales, significant fundraising, particularly funding secured beyond grants, expansion into new geographical markets and strategic partnerships that support business development.

Companies are encouraged to select the category that accurately reflects their current stage of development and the results achieved during 2026.

Required Application Documents

Interested businesses must complete an online nomination form detailing their company’s major achievements during 2026.

The application requires the following information and supporting materials:

• Company and project details.

• A description of the specific achievements being nominated.

• Contact information for one external reference, which may be a business partner, investor or donor.

• Up to three supporting files or links, including photographs, videos or brochures that document the company’s achievements.

Applicants should ensure that all submitted claims are verifiable and that their supporting materials clearly demonstrate progress made within the award period.

Application Deadline and Award Ceremony

The deadline for submitting self-nominations is November 20, 2026.

Following the application process, shortlisted companies will be invited to present their business cases to a jury of experts through an online pitching session in early 2027.

The award presentation will take place during EEP Africa Knowledge Week in February 2027.

How to Apply for the EEP Africa Project of the Year 2026 Award

Eligible companies can complete the nomination process by following these steps:

1. Visit the EEP Africa Project of the Year 2026 announcement.

2. Review the eligibility requirements and determine whether the Start Up or Scale Up category best represents the company’s achievements.

3. Prepare a summary of the business’s major results and accomplishments during 2026.

4. Gather the contact details of one external reference and up to three supporting files or links.

5. Complete the online nomination form and submit it before the application deadline.

Key Application Details

• Opportunity: EEP Africa Project of the Year 2026.

• Eligible applicants: Project developers with an active EEP Africa-funded project running in 2020 or later.

• Categories: Start Up and Scale Up.

• Application deadline: November 20, 2026.

• Online pitching: Early 2027.

• Award ceremony: EEP Africa Knowledge Week, February 2027.

• Nomination form: Apply for the EEP Africa Project of the Year 2026 award.

Source: EEP Africa