The Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA) consortium has launched its first ‘SESA Call for Entrepreneurs’ funding round.

Small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-led, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions in Ghana, Malawi, Morocco and South Africa, are encouraged to apply.

As a consortium partner, Siemens Stiftung will provide the selected entrepreneurs with funding ranging from €50 000 (R850 000), up to €70 000 (R1.2-million) per business over an 18-month period, and an opportunity to join the SESA Incubator Programme.

“The call leverages social entrepreneurs’ talents, skills, and innovations to not only address climate change, but to also pave the way for social and economic development in rural areas,” says Siemens Stiftung MD Dr Nina Smidt.

“Women are at the heart of this transformation. Supporting female-led enterprises enables the inclusion of vulnerable groups more at climate risk, and in the process accelerates the realisation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access has been a challenge for rural communities in Africa. 

SESA, a European Commission-funded project, aims to test, validate and later replicate innovative solutions, as well as business models, to accelerate the green transition across Africa. 

The SESA project was launched in October, 2021, with a duration of 48 months and is operational in nine African countries, namely Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania.

“The uYilo e-Mobility Programme is a SESA partner and the lead for the South African validation project,” says uYilo director Hiten Parmar. 

“South African entrepreneurs successful in securing their place in this project will benefit from access to funding for scaling technology solutions, but also development through the incubator programme and technical and business mentorship."

"[It] is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to provide sustainable solutions that improve access to energy in remote areas,” adds uYilo programme manager Edem Foli.

“This funding is available in a focused, goal-oriented environment which can propel a small business much faster than it could possibly achieve working alone. We encourage all entrepreneurs to make application for this project.”

The ‘Call for Entrepreneurs’ programme closes on November 20.