In the SADC region, renewable energy entrepreneurs are at the forefront of efforts to extend access to modern energy services as they are often the best placed to offer tailor-made local solutions. Such entrepreneurs, however, face serious challenges including business management and operations, as well as bringing their innovative ideas to fruition. To overcome some of these challenges and strengthen the capacity of SADC-based renewable energy entrepreneurs the International Renewable Energy and Agency (IRENA) and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) established the Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship (Technical) Support Facility in SADC Region in April 2017.

Since its establishment, the Facility held a workshop in Mauritius in November 2017 to identify the challenges and ways of addressing them in supporting entrepreneurship development in the region, providing finance to enterprises as well as renewable energy (RE) projects, managing perceived risks and training on RE project appraisals. The first Call for Application was flighted in 2019 and the first Technical Committee meeting to review and select small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was held in March 2020. In November 2020, the Facility ran the first series of virtual customized capacity building training for a group of 32 SMEs. This training was intended to address the gaps that were previously identified and provide support for the operationalization and implementation of RE businesses. 

As part of the process of broadening participation by more SMEs, the Facility is now inviting eligible SADC-based entrepreneurs to submit applications for technical support under this second call in the following areas:

• Refining renewable energy project proposals in order to reach bankability.
• Enterprise development through the Facility’s mentorship and training programme.

Submission: Please submit your applications using the Application Form Template to: energy@sacreee.org. Only electronic submissions using the Application Form Template will be considered. 

Women and youth are encouraged to apply. The applications will go through a selection process and the successful applicants will be contacted. 

Please note that this is a Technical Support Facility and selected entrepreneurs will be sponsored to participate in the training workshops. Due to travel restrictions, the training may be held virtually. Sponsorship will cover transportation and accommodation costs. The Facility does not provide capital funding but facilitates enterprise financing through matchmaking and linking entrepreneurs with potential funders. 

The Application Form Template can be downloaded below.