Ashden organisation has announced eight entries for the 2023 awards for African organisations.
The awards will supercharge climate innovation creating a fairer future and widening access to clean energy.
Ashden head of award Stephen Hall said they are keen to reward innovation that puts the power in the hands of communities and supports the most marginalised and disadvantaged.
"Africa is home to extraordinary innovation, and also to many of the communities most threatened by climate change. With leaders elsewhere dragging their feet on climate action, it’s no surprise people in Africa are forging ahead with homegrown solutions," Hall said.
"We promise to do all we can to raise the profile of our winners on the global stage and connect them with opportunities for funding and investment. So if you’re a trailblazer creating a fairer zero carbon future, or you know someone who is, please spread the word or apply to the 2023 Ashden Awards."
The awards are seeking trailblazing, empowering initiatives in low-income countries and the UK.
There are five awards open to African organisations, with one focused on solutions from the continent.
The awards include the Ashden Award for Integrated Energy Africa, Ashden Award for Energising Agriculture, Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions and Ashden Award for Skills Powering Energy Access, Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People.
Applications opened on January 18 and will close on March 8 with winners announced after a rigorous judging process.
The entry is free and winners receive a grant of up to £25,000, publicity, and connection to new funders, investors and partners.
Four of the five international awards will boost efforts to widen access to clean energy.
These include awards for organisations supporting smallholder farmers by energising agriculture, helping refugees and displaced people boost their incomes through clean energy, and giving people the skills and opportunities to enter the clean energy workforce.
Another award purely focused on Africa, is for solutions in integrated energy, work that connects diverse on and off-grid systems for clean energy to be accessible and affordable for everyone.
A final international award is for natural climate solutions.
This recognises work strengthening the incomes, well-being and security of Indigenous peoples and local communities allowing them to act as guardians and restorers of their land.
The recent Ashden Awards winners include YICE Uganda, an organisation that empowers marginalised people to carry out climate-friendly Agriculture and Kakuma Ventures, which brings jobs and internet access to refugee camp residents in Kenya.
Organisations should visit the Ashden website to find application forms, detailed descriptions of each award, the award process and award criteria.
The winning innovation will tackle inequality, causes and effects of global heating.
More than 200 businesses, charities and public sector projects have been boosted by an Ashden Award since the prizes were launched in 2005.
