The African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge (YouthADAPT Challenge) recently concluded its third edition, unveiling a lineup of exceptional winners driving climate change adaptation and resilience across Africa.
The annual competition, jointly organized by the Global Center on Adaptation, the African Development Bank and Climate Investment Funds, is a key initiative under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program’s YouthADAPT flagship pillar.
This year’s focus on female-owned enterprises pioneering Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies attracted a diverse array of submissions from across the continent. The winners of the 2023 YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge are:
- Beth Koigi, Majik Water Technologies Ltd – Kenya
- Daniella Ushindi Viruvuswagha, ETS Chemchem Agro – Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Deborah Nzarubara, ETS Grencom – Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eddah Wanjiru, Arinifu Technologies Ltd. – Kenya
- Fatoumata Diaby, Jeune Agro-Innovatour Du Mali – Mali
- Lucy Wangari, Onion Doctor Limited – Kenya
- Mirriam Chapi, Chapi Core Tech – Zambia
- Stephanie Meltus, Green Eden Farms – Nigeria
These groundbreaking entrepreneurs stood out for their innovative solutions utilizing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, additive manufacturing, blockchain, and fifth-generation wireless for climate adaptation.
Winning enterprises will receive a comprehensive package of support, including:
- $100,000 in grants to scale their ventures
- Tailored business development services to elevate their climate solutions and generate green jobs
- One-year accelerator program to amplify their impact
- Mentorship and coaching
- Membership in the coveted YouthADAPT Alumni Network
- Opportunities for creating new partnerships and sharing knowledge
To be eligible for the YouthADAPT Challenge, participants had to lead 2-year-old growth-stage, women-owned businesses with Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions impacting climate adaptation ethically and at scale.
Additionally, they needed to be aged between 18-35, hold nationality from any of the 54 African nations, and have a clean legal record.
The challenge is implemented in two phases, starting with a pre-accelerator phase that includes an Africa-wide call for applications and a rigorous evaluation process.
The second phase involves an accelerator program where selected enterprises undergo a gap analysis, receive business development services, mentoring, and the disbursement of the $100,000 grant.
The YouthADAPT Challenge is a vital component of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, a strategic partnership between the Global Center on Adaptation and the African Development Bank Group.
“The Youth Entrepreneurship and Adaptation Jobs pillar, one of the four pillars of the AAAP, aims to prepare African youth for green and climate-resilient development by promoting innovation, inclusive growth, and access to funding and mentorship.”
This year’s winners stand at the forefront of the fight against climate change, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience crucial for a sustainable future.
“The YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge continues to be a beacon for youth-led enterprises driving positive change across the African continent.”