The Clean Energy and Energy Inclusive Fund for Africa Foundation (CEI Africa) is now accepting applications for the 2025 edition of its Smart Outcomes Fund (SOF).
Targeting African companies working in Productive Use of Energy (PUE), this fund rewards businesses for creating real, positive change in rural and peri-urban communities by helping them access clean, productive energy.
The aim is to improve lives and livelihoods by supporting the use of renewable energy technologies that help people work, earn income, and grow their businesses—such as solar-powered tools for farming, fishing, or small industries.
This funding round is for mini-grid developers and other off-grid companies already deploying PUE, including PAYGO solar companies and PUE distribution businesses. It began in Kenya in September 2024 and is now open to applicants from eight more countries.
Funding
- Grants cover up to 50% of the cost of PUE equipment and some approved one-time costs like transport.
- The minimum grant is $100,000, and the maximum is $1,110,000.
- Locally owned companies can apply for smaller amounts, but not less than $50,000.
- You can use the funds for buying equipment, logistics, or other approved one-time expenses.
- But you cannot sell the PUE equipment to customers at a price subsidized by more than 50%.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
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Be a legal, for-profit business in your country.
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Show proof of financial capacity and management skills.
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Meet minimum gender balance requirements (or have a plan to do so).
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Have deployed renewable energy-powered PUE equipment for at least 6 months in the country where you apply.
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Provide customer data, types of equipment used, and technical details.
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Be powered mainly (75% or more) by renewable energy.
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Be stand-alone (not connected to the grid).
How and where to apply
The application deadline is September 2, 2025. Click HERE to begin.
The Clean Energy and Energy Inclusive Fund for Africa Foundation (CEI Africa) is inviting applications for its 2025 Smart Outcomes Fund (SOF), intending to support African companies in Productive Use of Energy (PUE).
The fund seeks to reward businesses that drive positive change in rural and peri-urban communities by facilitating access to clean, renewable energy, thereby improving livelihoods through technologies, such as solar-powered tools for agriculture and small industries.
Eligible applicants include mini-grid developers and off-grid companies like PAYGO solar firms, who can use this funding to cover up to 50% of the cost of PUE equipment and related approved expenses.
Grants range from $50,000 to $1.11 million, ensuring the absence of excessive subsidies on equipment prices to customers.
To apply, businesses must be legally registered for-profit entities, demonstrate financial and management competency, meet gender balance requirements, and have a proven track record of deploying renewable energy-based PUE equipment.
Additional requirements include being powered primarily by renewable energy and maintaining a stand-alone operation.
Interested applicants have until September 2, 2025, to submit their applications. More detailed application instructions can be accessed via CEI Africa's website.
