From L-R: Marceline Obuya, Co-Founder, Jacob's Ladder
Africa; Urbanus Mwagangi, Empire Innovations; Nicholus Kimali, Technical
Director, Ubuntu WaterHub AfricaJacob’s Ladder Africa’s has hosted an exhibition in Nairobi
to showcase innovative climate solutions from a diverse group of young green
entrepreneurs.
Jacob’s Ladder Africa is a continental non-governmental organisation focused on advancing green solutions, climate innovation, and sustainability pathways through youth-centric programmes.
The Demo Day culminated in the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, a competition where participants from across East Africa presented solutions designed to tackle environmental challenges and enhance food systems sustainability.
The competition provided a platform for young innovators to demonstrate how renewable energy could revolutionise food production and consumption.
From energy-efficient farming and renewable-powered food processing to sustainable transport and waste reduction through smart energy systems, the solutions explored at the event highlighted the importance of integrating clean energy into everyday practices.
Finalists were selected from Baringo, Busia, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Kisumu, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Tranza Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, and Nairobi.
The young entrepreneurs, after receiving extensive mentorship and training, pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges, each vying for the chance to scale their solutions and address the growing challenges faced by food systems in the region.
Karen Chelang’at, Chief Innovation Officer at Jacob’s Ladder Africa, emphasised the programme’s role in tackling youth unemployment.
“By creating opportunities for young people, we are not only addressing the issue of unemployment but also equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the green economy,” Chelang’at stated.
“Many startups fail due to weak foundations, and we aim to address that by building strong foundations for these entrepreneurs.”
Innovative projects showcased included Solar Compost IT, an in-vessel composting machine that turns organic waste into compost, bio-fertiliser, and pellets, helping reduce methane emissions and NuRa, a solar-powered steam generator for large-scale kitchens.
The judges featured prominent leaders, including Luiza Munyua, Senior Scientific Officer at the African Union, and Omondi Kasidhi, Senior Manager of Digital Growth and Commercialisation at Yara International.
The organisation aims to create 30 million jobs in Africa's green economy by 2033, promoting socio-economic development through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and workforce readiness initiatives.
Cash prizes, ranging from Sh10,000 to Sh200,000 were awarded to the top participants.