7 Kenyan startups graduate from green business plan

The British High Commission has announced the graduation of the first cohort of seven innovative Kenyan entrepreneurs from the Green Business Building accelerator programme.

This initiative, which aims to cultivate a green manufacturing ecosystem, has empowered the entrepreneurs with key business development tools and mentorship to help scale their sustainable ventures.

Tertia Bailey, Manufacturing Africa Advisor at the British High Commission, explained that the seven businesses were selected through a competitive application process.

Over the course of three months, they received personalised business development training and mentorship from more than 30 global experts.

“As a result, these businesses are now equipped to address key operational challenges, improve customer engagement and refine their value propositions to attract investment,” Bailey said.

The programme spans a diverse range of sectors, from biofuels and recycling to electric vehicle assembly, infrastructure and green agricultural inputs.

Bailey said the success of the businesses highlights the potential for green industries in Kenya, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

The GBB accelerator programme was inspired by research from Manufacturing Africa, which indicates that Kenya’s green economy could generate $2-4 billion in annual revenues by 2030, creating at least 200,000 jobs in the process.

This data underlines the importance of nurturing sustainable businesses that will contribute to longterm economic resilience.

“The growth of these businesses is a testament to the untapped opportunities in Kenya’s green sector,” Bailey said.

“The partnership between the UK and Kenya is creating jobs, boosting economic resilience and helping companies scale sustainably. Together, we’re building a brighter, greener future.”

One of the programme’s graduates, Joseph Mungai, CEO of AceleAfrica, pointed out on the personalised approach of the GBB accelerator.

“Unlike other accelerators I’ve participated in, the support here is tailored to address the specific needs of our business. The biggest takeaway for us has been refining our storytelling strategy with the help of market data,” Mungai said.

Thomas Pascoe, Manufacturing Africa’s Programme team leader, praised the first cohort’s success and noted it as an invaluable learning experience.

“We’re excited to continue refining our approach and will be admitting 20 more companies in the coming year. We’re already accepting applications for the next cohort, which will start in a few weeks,” Pascoe said.

As the second cohort prepares to begin the focus will be on ambitious startups looking to scale in Kenya’s growing green manufacturing ecosystem.