Entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups across West Africa now have a chance to secure funding for research or project ideas in renewables and green hydrogen through WASCAL’s “WISE” call. This initiative aims to accelerate energy access, climate resilience and livelihood improvement in the region.
WASCAL is a major regional organisation covering member states like Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo.
The “WISE” (Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy) edition 2025 is designed to identify and support short-term innovative ideas centered on renewable energy, green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, energy-water-food nexus and rural / peri-urban energy systems.
For MSMEs and social enterprises in Africa working in energy access, green business models, climate adaptation or sustainable technologies, this competition offers both funding and visibility within West Africa’s climate-services ecosystem.
Benefits
- Grants of up to €20,000 per project for selected ideas/projects.
- Projects may run up to 15 months under the call’s conditions.
- Focus on innovation in renewable energy, green hydrogen technologies, energy access, women’s empowerment in energy sector, and rural/ peri-urban applications.
- Regional platform and opportunity to engage with WASCAL’s network of researchers, institutions, and climate-services structures.
Eligibility
- Individuals or groups (students, academics, entrepreneurs) from West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo) are eligible.
- Legally registered associations/organisations in a West African country also eligible.
- Project ideas must focus on themes such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy-water-food nexus, energy efficiency, waste‐to‐energy, productive uses of renewables, rural/ peri-urban deployment.
- Bank account in the name of the individual or organisation (for fund transfer).
Duration
Up to 15 months (under 2025 call). Projects are expected to complete within the timeframe.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 31 December 2025 (11:59 GMT+00) for the 2025 edition.
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight innovation and local impact: Your idea should clearly show how it improves energy access, introduces greener technology (e.g., hydrogen, solar, bioenergy) and benefits communities in West Africa.
- Demonstrate feasibility: Provide a realistic plan, budget and implementation timeline within the 15-month window. Funders will look for credible and actionable proposals.
- Focus on rural or peri-urban applications: The call emphasises solutions in less-served areas (rural/peri-urban) and technologies that address energy access or the energy-food-water nexus.
- Engage women and youth: The thematic areas include empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector; you can emphasise this in your proposal.
- Prepare supporting documents: Have a clear project summary, budget spreadsheet, team details/credentials, registration proof (if applying as an organisation) and bank details ready.
- Avoid vague claims: Instead of “we will transform energy use in West Africa”, specify “we will install solar-bioenergy systems in 3 peri-urban communities of Ghana, reaching 500 households, reducing diesel use by X litres/month”.
- Submit early: Don’t wait until the last minute—system issues or missing documents can jeopardise your submission.
- Check eligibility carefully: Ensure you are in one of the eligible countries, meet registration or bank-account criteria, and your project fits the thematic focus.
How to Apply
- Visit the official call page: WASCAL – Call for Proposals “WISE”
- Download the full guidelines, application form and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare your proposal including project summary, budget, implementation plan, team bios and supporting documents.
- Submit your application via the online portal or as specified in the guidelines before 31 December 2025.
- Monitor your email (including spam/junk) for any communication from WASCAL regarding short-listing or next steps.
