The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced the extension of its Timbuktoo GreenTech Energy Accelerator Program, a move designed to bolster Africa’s clean energy ecosystem. The initiative, which focuses on innovative renewable energy technologies, aims to nurture startups that are developing sustainable, decentralized energy solutions for communities across the continent. With Africa facing significant energy challenges, including over-reliance on fossil fuels, this program is seen as a pivotal step toward improving energy security and advancing the continent’s green transition.

The GreenTech Energy Accelerator, part of the broader Timbuktoo initiative, invites applications from African innovators who are developing groundbreaking technologies in renewable energy generation, storage, and efficiency. These startups are expected to address Africa’s pressing energy challenges, tailoring solutions to local needs in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving access to sustainable energy across underserved communities. By doing so, the program seeks to contribute meaningfully to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and poverty reduction (SDG 1).

The accelerator will emphasize support for startups working on decentralized energy systems, such as solar, wind, and energy storage, that can provide reliable and clean power to communities that currently lack access to traditional energy infrastructure. Such solutions are vital as Africa experiences rapid population growth and urbanization, putting additional strain on existing energy systems.

Eligibility and Focus Areas

The 2024 edition of the Energy Accelerator Program is open to African entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

• National Founders: Startups must be founded by nationals of African Union member states.
• Registered Entities: Companies must be legally registered and operational within Africa for at least three years.
• Development Focus: Startups must address key development challenges, offering technology-enabled solutions with demonstrable impact on local communities.
• Scalability: Participants must present a minimum viable solution (MVS) and show evidence of potential scalability across African markets.
• Corporate Governance: Strong governance frameworks and accountability systems are mandatory.

By focusing on these criteria, the accelerator hopes to foster enterprises with the potential to grow and deliver impactful energy solutions across multiple markets in Africa.

Resources and Support for Startups

Selected startups will benefit from a range of resources, including mentorship from industry leaders, access to technical expertise, and support for product development. The program will also offer participants the opportunity to test and commercialize their solutions within regulatory sandboxes, beginning with Kenya’s rapidly growing smart city initiatives. This will enable startups to prototype their technologies and receive real-world feedback in a supportive, innovation-friendly environment.

Startups will also be given access to blended financing opportunities, including equity-free funding, aimed at helping them scale their operations. Furthermore, networking opportunities with potential partners, collaborators, and investors across the continent and beyond will be a key component of the program, helping participants to navigate the complex regulatory and market landscapes in the energy sector.

The Timbuktoo Ecosystem and Pan-African Collaboration

The GreenTech Accelerator is a flagship program under the Timbuktoo initiative, a broader UNDP effort to drive innovation and economic growth across Africa through technology and entrepreneurship. In addition to clean energy, Timbuktoo supports startups in a wide range of sectors, from fintech to healthcare. The GreenTech Energy Accelerator aligns with Timbuktoo’s goals of fostering pan-African collaboration and advancing regional integration, with a particular focus on supporting startups that contribute to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Participants in the program will join the Timbuktoo ecosystem, benefiting from access to its wide network of UN agencies, African governmental bodies, and global partners. By creating a strong, interconnected support system, the program aims to accelerate the growth of Africa’s clean energy sector, positioning the continent as a leader in renewable energy innovation.

Program Timeline and Application Process

The Energy Accelerator Program will run from January to June 2025, with applications open until October 20, 2024. A bootcamp for selected startups will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, in mid-November 2024, where entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to refine their business models and prepare for the acceleration phase.

This hybrid accelerator program, combining both in-person and virtual elements, is designed to offer flexibility while ensuring deep engagement and support for participating startups. The UNDP’s decision to host the bootcamp in Nairobi underscores Kenya’s growing status as a hub for clean energy innovation in Africa.

The expansion of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Energy Accelerator Program signals UNDP’s continued commitment to fostering innovation in Africa’s clean energy sector. By supporting startups that are developing scalable, sustainable energy solutions, the program aims to contribute to the continent’s energy transition and help meet the pressing challenges of climate change and energy access. As the application deadline approaches, the program is expected to attract a diverse range of innovators eager to contribute to Africa’s clean energy future.

For more information and to apply, visit UNDP Timbuktoo’s application