The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and USAID have partnered with GE Africa to launch the Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge as a way of supporting off-grid energy solutions.

The second round of the challenge will add Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Liberia to Nigeria and Kenya, which benefited in the first round in 2013.

At least 25 grants, worth $100,000 each will be awarded to African companies and companies that work on off-grid technologies using renewable resources and also power economic activities. The first round in 2013, focused on Off-Grid Energy solutions in Kenya and Nigeria.

The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is a part of the US government-led initiative, Power Africa, aimed at driving growth in sub-Saharan Africa via increased access to affordable, reliable and sustainable power and also by helping to ensure effective and transparent management of energy resources.

GE has therefore called for proposals from eligible companies, acceptance of which will end on June 20, 2014.

Jay Ireland, President and CEO of GE Africa said the company was proud to be involved the initiative, which he noted would be beneficial to both rural and urban populations in the six countries focused on in the second round.

He noted that the competition encourages local solution to power challenges because “Africans know what works in their communities.”

Andy Herscowitz, Coordinator for Power Africa, a US government initiative led by USAID, expressed pleasure at being able to impact Africans through the grant challenge. More people, he said have been encouraged to power their enterprises and also provide uninterrupted energy sources for business and private consumption.

“With these mini- and off-grid solutions, Power Africa continues to leverage the possibilities and know-how on the ground with US government and private sector resources to truly grow African communities, cities, and the continent,” Herscowitz said.

Shari Berenbach, President and CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) noted that USADF and Power Africa is going the extra mile; reaching ‘beyond the grid’ to increase access to affordable, yet reliable energy for more Africans.

“USADF, with its focus on economic development from the grassroots level and African-led and –managed projects, is glad to be leading on this initiative to help reach these communities who need power as much as anyone else,” said Ms. Berenbach.

The Challenge is expected to benefit rural or urban populations currently underserved by existing power companies.

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