2026 Social & Inclusive Business Camp (SIBC) – Energy Transition Program in East Africa
✦ AI Summary
Applications are now open for the 2026 Social & Inclusive Business Camp (SIBC), a leading acceleration and capacity-building program designed for impact-driven entrepreneurs working in the energy transition sector across East Africa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Social & Inclusive Business Camp (SIBC), a leading acceleration and capacity-building program designed for impact-driven entrepreneurs working in the energy transition sector across East Africa.
This program is tailored for founders and senior leaders based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania who are developing scalable solutions that deliver measurable social, environmental, and economic impact within the energy ecosystem.
Application Deadline: January 26, 2026
About the Social & Inclusive Business Camp
Launched in 2017, the Social & Inclusive Business Camp has supported nearly 350 social and environmental entrepreneurs across Africa. The program helps mission-driven enterprises strengthen their business models, improve social impact measurement, and prepare for fundraising and long-term growth.
The 2026 edition continues this legacy with a strong focus on Energy Transition, supporting businesses that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and efficient energy systems.
Who Should Apply
The program is open to experienced entrepreneurs and organizations that meet the following criteria.
Program Focus Areas
SIBC 2026 supports enterprises operating in the following energy transition sub-sectors:
- Access to energy, including on-grid and off-grid solutions
- Clean cooking technologies and services
- Renewable energy solutions
- Energy sufficiency and demand-side management
- Energy efficiency innovations
Program Structure and Key Details
The 2026 cohort will include 50 selected project leaders, with 10 entrepreneurs from each participating country: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
The program places strong emphasis on strengthening business performance while maximizing social and environmental impact. Entrepreneurs will receive both online training and localized support through partner organizations in each country.
A key highlight of the program is an in-person bootcamp in Nairobi, Kenya, where participants will connect with regional ecosystem actors, industry experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs to accelerate scale and collaboration.
Participants Will Receive
- Six months of online coaching through a dedicated learning platform, featuring interactive virtual sessions with international experts and self-paced learning resources.
- A one-week intensive bootcamp in Nairobi, designed as a transformational experience, including participation in the Africa-France Summit.
- Personalized mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs who are alumni of the SIBC program, with additional expert support from local ecosystems and the AFD Group.
- High-value networking opportunities, including access to an active international community of nearly 350 impact-driven entrepreneurs and direct connections with investors and financial partners.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs building impactful solutions in the energy transition sector are encouraged to apply for the Social & Inclusive Business Camp 2026.
Application Deadline: January 26, 2026
Early applications are strongly recommended.
Requirements
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- You hold a senior leadership position within your organization, such as Founder, Co-founder, Director, or equivalent.
- Your organization is legally registered in at least one eligible country: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Tanzania.
- Your organization has been operational for a minimum of three (3) years.
- Your organization has a clearly defined social and environmental mission linked to energy transition.
- Your organization generates all or part of its revenue from commercial activities.
- Your organization is expanding into new territories, either nationally or internationally.
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What We Offer
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- The Social & Inclusive Business Camp 2026 is delivered as a hybrid support program, combining virtual learning with in-person engagement.
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