Apply to Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition 2026
Solar Power Nigeria Youth Competition 2026: Win ₦390,000 Grant, Mentorship and Fellowship Opportunity
Are you a young Nigerian with an idea for improving electricity access in your community? Applications are now open for the Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition 2026, an initiative inviting young people to develop practical solutions and campaigns that promote clean energy and improve access to electricity across Nigeria.
The competition offers selected young changemakers the opportunity to receive project funding, expert mentorship and a place in the Solar Power Nigeria Fellowship.
Competition Overview
- Competition: Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition 2026
- Organisers: Solar Power Nigeria Coalition
- Lead Organisation: Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP)
- Implementation Partner: Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs)
- Location: Nationwide – Nigeria
- Eligible Age: 18–35 years
- Number of Winners: 7 Fellows
- Grant: ₦390,000 per Fellow
- Project Duration: 3 months
- Application Opening Date: 11 November 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 November 2026
About the Competition
Nigeria faces significant electricity access challenges, affecting education, healthcare, businesses and economic opportunities.
The Solar Power Nigeria coalition is launching this national youth competition to encourage young Nigerians to develop innovative ideas that can improve energy access in their communities.
Applicants are expected to propose a three-month campaign or practical community-based solution that promotes better access to electricity and demonstrates how clean energy can improve people’s quality of life.
You do not need to be an engineer or energy expert to participate. What matters is having a clear idea and a practical plan.
What Can You Propose?
Applicants can submit ideas in either of the following areas:
1. Advocacy Campaign
Develop a campaign targeting decision-makers and the general public to promote improved energy access in your community or state.
2. Practical Community Solution
Propose a practical idea or community-based intervention showing how improved access to solar power can positively affect people’s lives.
Your proposal should demonstrate how energy access can support areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development.
Benefits and Prizes
Seven successful applicants will be selected as Solar Power Nigeria Fellows.
Each selected Fellow will receive:
- ₦390,000 project grant to implement a three-month project.
- Expert mentorship and guidance.
- Access to relevant clean-energy sector partners.
- Media exposure.
- Opportunities to engage with policymakers.
- A place in the Solar Power Nigeria Fellowship.
Additional Opportunity for Outstanding Fellows
Two outstanding Fellows will each nominate a public primary school or public health facility in their community to receive a complete solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
Each installation will be marked with a public handover event.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be Nigerian.
- Live in any state of Nigeria.
- Have an idea addressing an electricity access challenge in their community.
- Be willing to develop and implement a three-month campaign or community project.
The competition is open to young Nigerians from all states and does not require applicants to have an engineering or energy-related background.
Selection Process
A five-member Competition Review Panel will conduct a technical assessment of submitted entries.
The selection process includes:
- Submission and technical review of applications.
- Shortlisting of promising applicants.
- Pitch sessions where shortlisted applicants present their ideas.
- Announcement of selected Fellows, expected in late December 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible young Nigerians should submit their ideas through the official competition application link below.
Application Deadline: 24 November 2026
Your solar idea could help a student study after dark, a health facility preserve vaccines or a small business operate more reliably. Take advantage of this opportunity to turn your idea into meaningful community impact.
