WASCAL “WISE” Innovative Ideas Competition 2025 for Sustainable Energy in West Africa

(Funding up to €20,000 | Duration: 15 Months | Deadline: 31 December 2025)

Overview

Entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and start-ups across West Africa are invited to apply for the WASCAL “WISE” (Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy) 2025. This initiative provides financial and technical support for innovative ideas in renewable energy, green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, and sustainable energy systems that promote energy access, climate resilience, and socio-economic development in the region.

Organized by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), the competition seeks to accelerate clean energy transitions and foster local innovation in member states including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, among others.

This edition of WISE focuses on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), social enterprises, research institutions, and youth-led initiatives contributing to renewable energy solutions and climate adaptation across West Africa.

About WASCAL

The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) is a regional research and capacity-building organization established to strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change. It operates through partnerships with universities, governments, and international institutions, promoting applied research, innovation, and policy solutions related to climate and sustainable development.

Through initiatives like WISE, WASCAL supports practical innovation that bridges scientific research and community-level impact—particularly in renewable energy and climate-smart technologies.

Focus Areas of the WISE 2025 Call

Applicants are encouraged to submit ideas that fall under one or more of the following thematic areas:

Renewable Energy: Innovative approaches to solar, wind, hydro, or bioenergy deployment.
Green Hydrogen: Development of technologies or systems promoting hydrogen production, storage, or application in the West African context.
Energy-Water-Food Nexus: Integrated solutions linking energy access with water and food security.
Waste-to-Energy Systems: Projects converting agricultural, industrial, or municipal waste into sustainable energy sources.
Energy Efficiency: Solutions that enhance energy conservation and reduce carbon footprints.
Rural and Peri-Urban Energy Access: Decentralized systems improving access to clean energy for under-served populations.
Women and Youth Empowerment: Initiatives that promote inclusivity, leadership, and entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector.

Benefits

Selected projects under the WISE 2025 competition will receive both financial and institutional support to advance their innovative ideas.

Key Benefits Include:

Grant Funding: Up to €20,000 per project.
Implementation Duration: Projects may run for up to 15 months.
Visibility: Opportunity to showcase ideas through WASCAL’s regional platforms and networks.
Collaboration: Access to partnerships with researchers, policymakers, and institutions across the WASCAL ecosystem.
Capacity Building: Guidance and technical mentoring from experts in renewable energy and climate innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Nationality/Residency: Must be based in one of the following West African countries:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo.
Applicant Type: Open to individuals, teams, registered associations, or organizations (including MSMEs, start-ups, and research groups).
Project Focus: Must address at least one of the thematic areas listed above.
Bank Account: Applicants must have a valid bank account (individual or institutional) for fund transfer.
Duration: Projects must be designed to be completed within 15 months from the start date.

Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of success, consider the following:

Emphasize Innovation and Local Impact: Clearly show how your idea introduces a novel approach or technology to improve energy access and community livelihoods.
- Example: “We will install hybrid solar-bioenergy systems in three peri-urban communities in Ghana, providing reliable electricity to 500 households and reducing diesel use by 30%.”
Demonstrate Feasibility: Present a realistic implementation plan, budget, and timeline aligned with the 15-month limit.
Engage Underrepresented Groups: Highlight how your project promotes women’s participation, youth employment, or community inclusion in energy solutions.
Provide Clear Documentation: Prepare and attach all required documents, including:
- Project summary (2–3 pages)
- Detailed budget (in EUR or USD)
- Implementation plan and milestones
- Team profile or CVs of key members
- Proof of registration (for organizations)
- Bank details (for fund disbursement)
Be Specific: Avoid vague claims—quantify expected outcomes and community benefits wherever possible.
Submit Early: Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or incomplete submissions.
Check Eligibility Carefully: Ensure your project fits within the thematic scope and that your organization or team is registered in an eligible country.

Duration

All projects funded under the WISE 2025 competition must be completed within a maximum of 15 months. Projects are expected to start in early 2026 and conclude by mid-2027.

Application Process

Deadline: 31 December 2025 (11:59 PM GMT+00)

Application Steps:

Visit the official WASCAL – “WISE” Call for Proposals page.
Download the full guidelines and application form.
Prepare your proposal, including:
- Project summary (objectives, methods, outcomes)
- Detailed budget and implementation plan
- Team information and institutional background
- Supporting documents (registration proof, CVs, etc.)
Submit your application via the online portal or according to the instructions in the call document.
Monitor your email (including spam/junk folders) for follow-up or selection notifications from WASCAL.

Apply Here: [Click Here to Apply] (available on the official WASCAL website)

Evaluation and Selection

Proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

Relevance to WASCAL’s objectives and thematic priorities.
Level of innovation and technical feasibility.
Expected socio-economic and environmental impact.
Clarity of implementation plan and sustainability prospects.
Engagement of women, youth, and local communities.

Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for interviews or further clarification before final selection.

Why Apply

The WASCAL WISE 2025 Competition is a gateway for innovators to transform ideas into action. Beyond funding, it connects participants with a regional ecosystem of climate and energy experts, unlocking future opportunities for collaboration, scale-up, and visibility across West Africa.

Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur, researcher, or part of a small enterprise, this is a chance to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s clean energy transition and sustainable development agenda.

Quick Summary

Program Name	WASCAL “WISE” Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy 2025
Organizer	West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL)
Funding	Up to €20,000 per project
Duration	Up to 15 months
Focus Areas	Renewable Energy, Green Hydrogen, Energy-Water-Food Nexus, Waste-to-Energy, Rural Access
Eligible Countries	15 West African states
Application Deadline	31 December 2025 (11:59 GMT+00)
Application Method	Online via WASCAL official portal
Apply Here	[Click Here to Apply]

Final Note

The WASCAL WISE 2025 Call for Innovative Ideas offers a powerful platform for West African innovators to showcase and scale their solutions in sustainable energy. With up to €20,000 in funding, professional visibility, and access to a continental network, this competition is an opportunity to make a tangible impact in renewable energy development and climate resilience across the region.

Deadline: 31 December 2025
Apply Now: [WASCAL “WISE” Call for Proposals]