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The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) has partnered with GE Africa to launch the Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge, a three-year, $2 million challenge that will award 20 or more grants of up to $100,000 each to African companies and organizations providing off-grid solutions that deploy renewable resources and power economic activities. This is funded by USADF and GE, and according to USADF, “Will benefit rural or urban populations currently underserved by existing utility companies.  In addition, it will promote innovative solutions that further develop, scale-up or extend the use of proven technologies for off-grid energy.  The focus is on delivering power for productive and commercial activities.  African-owned and operated businesses or organizations that are developing their own technologies, and/or acquiring and installing technology developed elsewhere, are eligible to apply.” “In selecting the winners, initiatives from Energy Service Providers, Community Associations and private companies that are developing Energy Enabling technology will be strongly considered.” Announcing the call for proposals, President/CEO of GE Nigeria, Lazarus Angbazo, said “GE is proud to be associated with this initiative, which promotes innovation in Off-Grid Energy solutions. GE deeply involved in efforts to energize the power sector in Nigeria. GE had signed an MOU with the Federal Government to help develop an additional 10,000MegaWatts of power over the next ten years, a commitment Mr. Angbazo said was achievable by leveraging on GE’s technical expertise pedigree and  experience in the sector.” “Nigeria and Ghana are the first set of countries to benefit from the initiative but other countries like Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia could be included over the next 3 years. GE is working with stakeholders in Nigeria and Kenya to provide sustainable ways to power more of Africa. Nigerians and Kenyans know what works in their communities, and are encouraged in this competition to apply local solutions to the power challenges,” said Angbazo. On his part, Mr. Douglas Climan, the Economic Counselor at the U.S embassy in Nigeria praised the leadership of USADF and GE Africa for this move which clearly supports the U.S. government’s Power Africa initiative. “Through President Obama’s Power Africa initiative, the United States is committed to expanding the grids and helping ensure transparency in the large scale energy sector.  USADF, with its focus on economic development from the grassroots level and African-led and –managed projects, is bringing that commitment to underserved communities ‘off the grid’ who need power as much as anyone else.  We support this Off Grid Challenge that will benefit Nigerians with innovative solutions.
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This article was first published on 18th September 2013

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