All On opens 2026 Off-Grid Energy Challenge with up to $1 million in blended funding for Nigerian clean energy firms

All On, Nigeria's leading off-grid energy access investor, has launched the 2026 All On Off-Grid Energy Challenge, a nationwide competition for Nigerian clean energy companies. Applications opened on 2 July and will close on 31 July 2026, with successful proposals receiving between USD200,000 and USD1,000,000 in blended funding.

The challenge is designed to identify, support and scale innovative off-grid solutions that address Nigeria's critical energy access gap. It is open to all Nigerian innovative clean energy companies competing for funding and support.

Building on a track record of impact

Since 2018, the program has committed $3.6 million to 36 Nigerian-owned companies. These projects have delivered clean energy access to more than 150,000 Nigerians. Building on the success and learnings from previous editions, the 2026 Challenge seeks to attract entrepreneurs and innovators developing scalable and commercially viable solutions in renewable energy, productive use technologies, energy efficiency, cold chain solutions and other off-grid energy applications.

The Challenge continues its mission of catalyzing energy access for the millions of Nigerians living in unserved and underserved communities, where clean and reliable energy remains out of reach.

What the 2026 edition offers

This year raises the stakes considerably. Successful proposals will receive between USD200,000 and USD1,000,000 in blended funding, structured as a combination of non-dilutive and commercial instruments. In addition to capital, successful applicants will receive technical assistance and investment-readiness support from the All On Hub team.

The 2026 Challenge prioritizes projects that boost the productive use of energy (PUE), transforming access-to-electricity into economic opportunities through agriculture processing, cold storage, healthcare, and enterprise. It also seeks to support advancements in mini-grids, solar home systems, innovations that drive activities within the end-to-end off-grid value chain, and interventions designed to enhance outcomes for women and youth.

What the All On leadership says

Speaking at the launch, the Innovation Hub Manager, Sele Inegbedion stated: “The Off-Grid Energy Challenge exists because we believe the solutions to Nigeria’s energy problems already live within Nigeria, in the minds and hands of our entrepreneurs. Our role is to find them, back them, and walk with them as they grow. This year, we are doing that with more capital and more conviction than ever before. If you are building something that brings light and economic opportunity to communities that have been left behind, we want to hear from you.”

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of All On, Caroline Eboumbou stated: “Nigeria’s off-grid energy sector has proven, year after year, that the right kind of support that is patient, flexible, and rooted in deep market understanding, can produce transformational outcomes. The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is one of the most direct expressions of what All On stands for: putting serious capital behind entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving one of our country’s most pressing challenges.”

Eligibility and how to apply

To be eligible, applicants must be majority Nigerian-owned and managed, for-profit private companies legally registered and operating in Nigeria. Proposals must demonstrate innovation, a credible plan to serve unserved or underserved communities, and a commercially viable business model capable of sustaining itself within the 12-to-18-month investment period.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.all-on.com/off-grid-challenge

All On is an independent impact investing company seeded by Shell to catalyze the growth of Nigeria's off-grid energy market. It provides debt and equity funding, as well as non-financial support, to Nigerian energy companies.

For Nigerian businesses and consumers, this Challenge means more capital flowing into a sector that directly tackles the country's energy gap. With up to $1 million on the table per project, successful applicants could accelerate access to clean power for households and small businesses, reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators and supporting economic activity in underserved communities.