REACT Household Solar Fund: Driving Innovation Companies to Build Affordable Off-Grid Solar Household Systems

Deadline: 25 June 2017

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) has launched a new household solar competition under its Renewable Energy and Climate Adaptation Technologies (REACT) window with an aim to drive innovation in companies that have the potential to build affordable off-grid stand-alone solar household systems (SHS) in the target countries of Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone.

Focus Areas

Small household level SHS, comprising basic lighting, phone charging systems and radios, made available to large numbers of households through pay-as-you-go systems.
Larger solar power household stand-alone lighting systems that meet the full range of household needs and remain affordable for low income individuals.
Larger stand-alone SHS systems for productive use, comprising phone charging systems, radio, etc. and that can be used at small scale rural based business premises to provide the required power.
Distribution models that supports local entrepreneurship and growth of SMEs with the product demand and supply chain.
Business models based on brand agnostic ‘off-the-shelf platforms’.

Funding Information

Grantees can apply for a range of funding depending on their development stages (grants and/ or repayable grant):

Minimum funding is US$250,000.
Maximum funding is US$1.5 million.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, businesses must meet the following criteria:

Be a private sector company that is aligned with the focus areas.
For existing businesses, provide a track record of earning revenues from their users for existing product / service / demonstrated success in at least one market.
For start-ups, provide summary of projections of expected revenues from the proposed business.
Request a grant amount (grant and/ or repayable grant) between US$250,000 and US$1.5 million.
Be able to show commitment of matching AECF funding on a 1:1 basis.
Demonstrate sound financial health, including two years audited financial accounts, established financial management processes and procedures and dedicated financial management staff – headquarter and in country.
Be legally registered in the country of doing business.
Be compliant with fundamental human rights, UK Modern Slavery Act, all international labour standards and Environmental and Social Safeguards.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply online via given website.

Eligible Countries: Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone.

For more information, please visit React Household Solar (HS) Fund.