- The programme has already made calls for applications with a submission deadline of November 5
- The programme targets specifically young female climate innovators doing business in Africa
Image: JOHN KAMAU
A programme to empower female climate innovators in the country and across Africa has been launched as innovations to tackle climate adaptations across the continent heats up.
The YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge 2023, now in its third cohort, has set the stage for visionary female entrepreneurs in the region to make their mark. The programme has already made calls for applications with a submission deadline of November 5.
The programme targets specifically young female climate innovators doing business in Africa, to participate and stand a chance to receive a grant of $100,000 (Sh15,070,000), along with invaluable business development support.
Besides the cash support, successful applicants will gain access to a wealth of support, tailored business development services, a one-year accelerator programme, mentorship and coaching, membership in the YouthADAPT Alumni Network, and opportunities for new partnerships and knowledge-sharing.
Edith Ofwona Adera, the Lead Coordinator of Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme at the African Development Bank Group, hailed YouthADAPT saying it is an integral part of AAAP.
She said with a substantial budget of $25 billion, AAAP is poised to reshape climate adaptation in Africa, and drive innovative solutions across the continent.
Additionally, an extra $12.5 billion will be leveraged to further accelerate climate change adaptation through AfDB's portfolio.
“To date, 33 enterprises across 23 African countries have received support through the previous two cohorts of YouthADAPT. These enterprises have recorded remarkable achievements, including raising an additional $316,874 in financing, a 123 per cent increase in revenue, and the creation of 529 direct jobs and 7,742 indirect jobs. Notably, 20 per cent of the winners have successfully entered new markets,” Adera said.
This year, the challenge is supported by The Africa Climate Change Fund, hosted by the bank, and is designed to empower youth for entrepreneurship, job creation, and climate adaptation.
Rita Effah, the Senior Climate Finance Officer at ACCF, said the programme offers an exceptional platform for young female entrepreneurs to secure funding and mentorship for their innovative climate adaptation solutions.
“This aligns with the broader goal of promoting gender-responsive, youth-led climate adaptation solutions through technology and innovation,” she said.
Aliou Diouf, the Adaptation Specialist at the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme, highlighted the vast opportunities within Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and innovations for climate adaptation action.
Diouf said the programme seeks to scale up climate adaptation in Africa through a straightforward eligibility criterion, that includes a profitable growth-stage enterprise operating for at least two years, youth and women-led (18-35 years old on the day of submission), and founders or co-founders actively involved in the enterprise's operations and leadership.
“The programme also emphasises climate adaptation and innovation within the 4IR solutions,” he said.
He added that the programme targets several sectors for support, including agriculture and food security, biodiversity and conservation, coastal areas and marine resources, disaster risk reduction and management, energy for productive use, finance, forestry, health, human settlements, industry, infrastructure, tourism, transport, and water management, among others.
Serah Nderitu, Senior programme officer at the Global Centre on Adaptation while tipping potential applicants, stressed the importance of understanding the eligibility criteria, focusing on innovation and technology, and demonstrating social impact.
Prabhakar Vanam, CEO of KCIC Consulting Limited, the Enterprise Support Organisation of the programme, emphasised the tremendous potential of the 4th industrial revolution in climate adaptation.
“KCIC remains committed to supporting enterprises, particularly the winners of the 3rd YouthADAPT Challenge cohort,” Vanam said.