Are you an entrepreneur in the energy sector? Apply for the Cooking Energy Business Growth Fund by December 19

Energising Development (EnDev), a multi-donor funded, multi-country initiative that supports sustainable access to modern energy, seeks applicants for their Cooking Energy Business Growth Fund (CEBGF) for Rwanda. The Fund is implemented by GIZ, a German development agency, and SNV, a Netherlands Development Organisation, in partnership with Inkomoko Entrepreneurship Development and funded by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Through the Fund, EnDev aims to identify and support up to ten companies and cooperatives in Rwanda with outstanding ideas that create affordable and clean cooking solutions that will improve household cooking practices in Rwanda. These ideas should also address Rwanda’s environmental and health challenges, such as indoor pollution and deforestation.

EnDev will offer successful businesses an investment grant to support implementing one or more clearly defined goals with this initiative. CBEGF will also include a capacity-building offer from Inkomoko Entrepreneurship Development, covering training, business assessment, investment readiness, and pitch presentation.

Selected or winning companies and cooperatives will receive grant funding, cash prizes, and in-kind support for their business idea with a total cost of up to RWF 50 million. CEBGF shall support 10% to 80% of the total cost of implementing the business idea.

Interested applicants should fulfil the following criteria to apply:

  • Idea or business must reduce the consumption of firewood or switch to other types of cooking energy (except LPG)
  • The business must be registered with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or Rwanda Cooperative Society (RCA)
  • The total investment required to implement the idea or solution should not be above 50 million Rwandan francs
  • The business must be seeking funding for 10% to 80% of the total cost of implementing the business idea or solution
  • The business must have been in operation for at least six months

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Expected benefits of the proposed activity or idea
  • Economic viability and sustainability of the proposed activity or idea
  • Viability, robustness and institutional strengths of the business (e.g. team composition, assets, own financial contribution, prior recognition)
  • The degree to which the proposal accelerates sustainable market development for improved/clean cooking solutions in Rwanda, avoiding market distortion or unfair competition (e.g., third-party funded free distribution)

To apply for the Fund, visit: Application form