Renewable energy startups and small businesses in sub-Saharan Africa can explore funding opportunities through the Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) Programme, which supports innovative clean energy projects designed to improve livelihoods and expand access to renewable solutions.

The programme provides grant funding and technical assistance to companies, projects, and small and medium enterprises working in the productive use of renewable energy sector.

About the PREO Programme

The Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) Programme is supported by the IKEA Foundation and UK Aid and delivered by the Carbon Trust and Energy 4 Impact.

The initiative aims to stimulate energy demand in rural communities by supporting renewable energy solutions that address local needs.

PREO focuses on helping organisations develop commercially viable renewable energy projects while creating positive social and economic impacts.

Funding Support Available

Selected organisations can receive:

Grant funding for renewable energy projects
Technical assistance to strengthen business models
Enterprise development support
Support to improve project viability and local impact

The programme offers matching grants, meaning successful applicants are required to provide a contribution toward the project.

Funding amounts range from:

€100,000 to €500,000 per transaction

Eligible Renewable Energy Sectors

PREO supports projects focused on the productive use of renewable energy, including:

Solar Water Pumping for Irrigation

Projects using renewable energy to support agricultural irrigation and improve farming productivity.

Cold Storage Solutions

Renewable energy-powered cold storage projects supporting food preservation and reducing losses.

Agro-Processing

Energy solutions that support agricultural processing and food value chains.

Electric Mobility

Projects involving electric mobility solutions for areas such as:

Taxi services
Fishing boats
Other productive transport activities

Eligible Applicants

The programme supports:

Renewable energy companies
Small and medium enterprises
Energy entrepreneurs
Project developers
Organisations implementing productive-use renewable energy initiatives

Applicants should demonstrate potential for sustainable impact and scalable renewable energy solutions.

Eligible Regions and Countries

PREO supports projects across sub-Saharan Africa, including:

Central Africa
East Africa
Southern Africa
West Africa

Eligible countries include Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Senegal, and other countries across the region.

Gender and Local Ownership Focus

Applications that demonstrate:

Strong gender balance
Local ownership
Community involvement

may receive favourable consideration during the evaluation process.

Technical Assistance Support

Beyond financial support, PREO provides technical assistance through its Technical Assistance Facility.

This support helps organisations:

Improve project implementation
Strengthen business models
Increase operational effectiveness
Enhance local impact

How to Apply

Renewable energy startups interested in PREO funding should review the eligibility requirements and application process through the programme’s official channels.

Applicants can contact the fund manager for detailed information regarding:

Eligibility criteria
Application requirements
Submission procedures
Future funding calls

Current application status: Closed for applications.

Why Renewable Energy Startups Should Explore PREO Funding

The PREO Programme provides an opportunity for clean energy businesses to access:

Significant grant financing
Business development support
Technical expertise
International partnerships
Opportunities to scale renewable energy solutions

For renewable energy entrepreneurs working on productive-use energy projects in Africa, PREO represents a valuable pathway to expand clean energy access and create sustainable economic opportunities.

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Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities PREO Grants for Startups in Africa 2026