The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has issued a call for applications for its energy accelerator project.

UNDP is looking for green-tech entrepreneurs with a 'ground-breaking commercial solution or innovation' to help improve Africa's green and climate sectors, and they are committed to using technology to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

They must be willing to address Africa's energy difficulties; the solution must be impactful, financially viable, and scalable, with a clear growth strategy.

The organisation will host participants at the Timbuktoo Green-Tech Hub in Kenya.

To be eligible, candidates must be African founders and innovators who are already building start-ups that fit the following criteria:

• Startups with founders who are nationals of an African Country. 

• Startups must be legally registered and operating within Africa. 

• Startups must have been in operation for a minimum of three years.

• Startups must address development challenges. 

• Must be a technology-enabled solution. 

• Startups must have a Minimum Viable Solution (MVS) (regulated and licensed if necessary).

• Startups should have existing corporate governance systems and accountability. 

• This application is limited to citizens of the African Union Member States. 

UNDP said: “Africa faces a severe energy crisis, with many people lacking access to reliable and affordable electricity.

“To address critical energy deficiency and gaps that hinder the birth and growth of industries, there's an urgent need to establish a robust green-tech hub to provide a solid foundation to accelerate green industrialisation in Africa through provision of technical support, mentorship, access to funding and advocacy to support green enterprises to grow and scale their businesses.

“Under the flagship of the Timbuktoo Green-tech hub, the Energy Accelerator Programme has launched the call for applications and will focus on renewable energy technologies that can provide sustainable, accessible and decentralized solutions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving energy security for communities across Africa.”