Important: this competition is only for Nigerians aged 18–35. Entries close in less than two weeks.
The Solar Power Nigeria coalition, led by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and implemented by the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), has launched the Solar Power Nigeria National Youth Competition 2026. Young Nigerians in any state can propose a three-month campaign or community project to improve electricity access. Seven winners will each receive a ₦390,000 grant, mentoring and a place in the Solar Power Nigeria Fellowship, and two standout fellows can each get a full solar PV system installed at a public primary school or health centre in their community.
Deadline: 24 November 2026 (no closing time is given; submit before the end of 23 November WAT to be safe).
Key Details
- Organisers: Solar Power Nigeria coalition (lead: GIFSEP; implementer: NGYouthSDGs)
- Who: Nigerians aged 18–35 in any state
- Winners: seven Solar Power Nigeria Fellows
- Grant: ₦390,000 per fellow for a three-month project
- Entries open: 11–24 November 2026
- Results: fellows announced in late December 2026
- Cost: free to enter
Benefits
- ₦390,000 grant to run your three-month project
- Mentoring from experts and access to clean-energy sector partners
- Media exposure and chances to engage policymakers
- A place in the Solar Power Nigeria Fellowship
- For two outstanding fellows: a complete solar PV system for a public primary school or public health facility they nominate, with a public handover event
What You Can Propose
- Advocacy campaign: a campaign aimed at decision-makers and the public to improve energy access in your community or state
- Practical community solution: an idea showing how better access to solar power would improve people’s lives, for example in schools, clinics or small businesses
You do not need to be an engineer. The organisers want a clear idea and a realistic plan.
Eligibility
- Nigerian, aged 18–35
- Living in any of Nigeria’s 36 states or the FCT
- Have an idea that tackles an electricity access problem in a community you know
- Able to deliver a three-month campaign or project if selected
How to Apply
- Read the official announcement on the NGYouthSDGs website.
- Pick your track (advocacy campaign or practical solution) and a specific community or state.
- Draft your plan: the problem, who is affected, what you will do in three months, how you will spend ₦390,000 and how you will measure results.
- Submit through the official entry form at bit.ly/SPNCompetition before 24 November 2026.
- If shortlisted, prepare to pitch to the five-member review panel.
Tips
- Use real numbers: hours of power per day, number of pupils or patients affected, cost of diesel for a clinic.
- Keep the budget realistic for ₦390,000 and three months; panels prefer achievable plans over big promises.
- Name the decision-makers you will target (LGA chairman, state ministry, REA office) if you choose advocacy.
- Get a letter or message of support from a school head, clinic in-charge or community leader.
- Never pay anyone to ‘help you win’; entry is free.
