Green People’s Energy for Africa (GBE) is looking for concrete solutions to address two specific challenges in the energy access sphere: Increasing Off-Grid System Sustainability and Reducing CO₂ Emissions via Energy Access.

The expected impact and likely success of the proposed solutions to overcome either of the two identified challenges will be evaluated by an Assessment Committee. This evaluation will be done on the basis of administrative eligibility and technical suitability. A special focus is placed on sustainability, meaning that benefits pursued in the framework of the project’s timeframe are expected to continue beyond implementation. 

A Decision Committee including representatives of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) will then select the strongest proposals presented by the Assessment Committee.

The Challenge Call adds to the already operational Small Projects Fund, which offers financial support to renewable energy projects led by non-profit organisations. It is part of a variety of activities implemented by GBE with the aim of working towards SDG 7.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be either non-profit organisations or local for-profit organisations in the country of implementation without commercial ties to for-profit organisations from industrialised countries.

The Challenge Call prioritizes solutions from within the nine Green People’s Energy focal countries: Ethiopia, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia. However, applications from other sub-Saharan countries are also welcome.