FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), in partnership with Africa Change Lab (ACL), has commenced the shortlisting process for the Innovation Challenge following the successful close of applications from young innovators across Africa.
The Innovation Challenge, a flagship initiative under the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) 2026, attracted innovative solutions focused on strengthening Africa’s position in the lithium-ion battery value chain and advancing the continent’s clean energy future.
An independent review process is now underway to identify outstanding innovations that demonstrate technical excellence, scalability and the potential to contribute to Africa’s industrial transformation.
“Africa has the resources, talent and ambition to become a global leader in the clean energy economy. The Innovation Challenge provides a platform for young innovators to transform ideas into practical solutions that strengthen local value addition, advance battery technologies and contribute to sustainable industrial development across the continent.” – Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)
As the global demand for critical minerals and battery technologies continues to rise, Africa stands at a pivotal moment.
The continent possesses significant reserves of lithium, graphite, manganese, cobalt and other minerals that are indispensable to the global clean energy transition. Yet much of this wealth continues to leave the continent in raw form.
“Africa holds the lithium, cobalt and graphite the world needs, yet most of it leaves the continent raw. This challenge is proof we’re done waiting for a seat at the table. We’re building our own.” Dean Bhebhe, Executive Director, Africa Change Lab (ACL)
The Innovation Challenge- Track 2 (Afrohackaton) seeks to change this narrative by supporting African innovators to develop home-grown technologies and business solutions that move Africa higher up the battery value chain while contributing to sustainable industrialisation, job creation and energy security.
“Africa’s critical minerals present a unique opportunity to drive industrial development and economic transformation. The Innovation Challenge encourages young innovators to develop solutions that add value across the battery value chain.” – Mkhululi N. Ncube, Programmes Officer, African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC)
Review Process Underway
Applications received from across the continent are currently undergoing a rigorous evaluation process led by an expert panel drawn from academia, industry and policy institutions.The review will assess innovations based on originality, technical feasibility, scalability, potential impact and contribution to strengthening Africa’s battery value chain.Successful innovators will be invited to participate in the Final Pitch Event during the Future of Energy Conference 2026, taking place in Accra, Ghana, on 25–26 August 2026.
The finalists will present their solutions before policymakers, investors, researchers, development partners and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.The Innovation Challenge forms part of a broader continental effort to strengthen African innovation ecosystems and position Africa as a competitive player in the global battery and clean energy economy.
Implemented by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) in partnership with Africa Change Lab (ACL), and supported by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Timbuktoo Initiative, the Challenge seeks to accelerate African-led innovation and strengthen local value addition across the battery ecosystem.
The names of the shortlisted innovators will be announced in the coming weeks through the official communication channels of the Future of Energy Conference and its partners.
For media enquiries and further information:
Email: fec2026@acep.africa
The Future of Energy Conference (FEC) is Africa’s premier platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration on the continent’s energy future.
Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, investors and innovators, the Conference explores practical solutions that advance energy security, industrial development and a just energy transition for Africa.
About the Innovation Challenge-
Track 2 (Afrohackaton)The Innovation Challenge – Track 2 (Afrohackaton) is a pan-African innovation programme that empowers young Africans to develop cutting-edge technologies and business solutions across the lithium-ion battery value chain.
Through mentorship, collaboration and exposure to industry leaders, the programme seeks to accelerate African innovation, strengthen local value addition and support the continent’s transition towards a resilient, sustainable and industrialised energy future.
About Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is a leading African think tank dedicated to advancing transformative energy, extractive, and environmental policies. Through research, advocacy, and policy engagement, ACEP works with governments, civil society, industry, and development partners to promote sustainable energy systems, responsible natural resource governance, and inclusive economic development across Africa.
About Africa Change Lab (ACL)
Africa Change Lab (ACL) is a pan-African platform that accelerates systemic change through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based action. ACL works with governments, research institutions, development partners, and innovators to design and scale solutions that address Africa’s most pressing development challenges, with a focus on sustainable industrialisation, energy transition, and inclusive growth.
About the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC)
The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) is a specialized agency of the African Union that supports African Union Member States in implementing the Africa Mining Vision. AMDC promotes responsible mineral resource governance, value addition, industrialisation and sustainable development by strengthening Africa’s capacity to transform its mineral wealth into broad-based economic growth.
About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Timbuktoo initiative
UNDP Timbuktoo is the United Nations Development Programme’s pan-African innovation initiative that supports startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation ecosystems across Africa.
Through strategic partnerships, investment, and ecosystem development, Timbuktoo helps scale African innovation to address sustainable development challenges, create jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic transformation across the continent.
