Eight visionary enterprises led by dynamic young African women have emerged triumphant in the 2023 YouthAdapt challenge, each securing grant funding of up to $100,000. This transformative initiative, jointly organized by the African Development Bank Group and the Global Center on Adaptation, with support from the Africa Climate Change Fund, aims to propel micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) towards innovative climate change adaptation solutions.

The competition, which commenced in 2021, has witnessed the allocation of over $5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs hailing from 19 African nations. This year, the spotlight is on female-owned enterprises at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, robotics, Internet of Things, quantum computing, additive manufacturing, blockchain, and fifth-generation wireless for climate adaptation.

During the ceremony held alongside COP28 in Dubai, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, emphasized the crucial role of youth ideas and creativity in enhancing livelihoods and national prosperity. He underscored the commitment to creating 25 million jobs for the youth, ensuring 250 million individuals find their path to the labor market, with the Youth ADAPT initiative serving as a pledge to invest in the youth and shape a thriving future.

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, highlighted the need to nurture Africa’s youth talent, recognizing their potential in unlocking the continent’s economic prowess. Cheryl Urban, Canada’s Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa, commended the African Development Bank’s YouthADAPT program, recognizing its vital role in scaling up youth-led climate businesses and innovations in Africa.

Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development at the African Development Bank, stressed the importance of supporting entrepreneurs addressing climate change and emphasized the need to remove financial barriers, especially for women.

African Union Youth Envoy Chido Cleopatra Mpemba emphasized the necessity of fostering effective information-sharing mechanisms across regions to further empower the youth.

Lucy Wangari, a recipient of this year’s award from Onion Doctor, specializing in monitoring onion growth, expressed how the award would serve as a significant driver in scaling their innovative solution, boosting local onion production and transforming the onion value chain into a lucrative employment source for farmers in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands.

Previous winners shared their experiences, with Fela Akinse, CEO of Salubata, a business converting plastic waste into affordable footwear, highlighting how the grant is propelling their business expansion, fostering innovation in clean technologies, and enabling them to make a global impact.

The winning ventures, predominantly led by women from diverse African regions, span sectors significantly affected by climate change, including agriculture, energy efficiency, disaster risk management, water resources, and biodiversity conservation. This momentous recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also marks a pivotal step towards fostering sustainable solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs across the continent.

Full list of winners

1. Deborah Nzarubara, ETS Grencom, Democratic Republic of Congo: Leveraging big data, ETS Grencom provides real-time weather data, bolstering agricultural productivity and supporting pollinating bees for sustainable farming practices
2. Mirriam Chapi, Chapi Core Tech, Zambia: Through the EaseOn Track app, Chapi Core Tech has empowered over 5,000 women farmers, facilitating clean energy adoption and enhancing agricultural output.
3. Eddah Wanjiru, Arinifu Technologies, Kenya: The Smart Brooder & Kuku Smart innovation utilise Internet of Things technology, offering poultry solutions and operational insights, benefitting Kenya’s farming community
4. Fatoumata Diaby, Jeune Agro-Innovatour, Mali: Jeune Agro-Innovatour’s E-Compost software transforms invasive water hyacinth into premium compost, championing sustainable agricultural practices
5. Beth Koigi, Majik Water Technologies, Kenya: Majik Water Technologies pioneers atmospheric water harvesting, providing vital water resources to drought-stricken farming communities in Kenya.
6. Lucy Wangari, Onion Doctor Limited, Kenya: Using the Internet of Things and machine learning, Onion Doctor Limited monitors onion crops, optimising sustainability and profitability for Kenyan farmers.
7. Daniella Ushindi Viruvuswagha, ETS Chemchem Agro, DRC: Their ApiConnect app employs Machine Learning for strategic beehive placement, significantly boosting honey production in the Democratic Republic of Congo
8. Stephanie Meltus, Green Eden Farms, Nigeria: Green Eden Farms utilise Scaregrow technology to offer real-time insights, enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigerian agriculture

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