Eight young African women-led enterprises have been awarded funding of up to $100,000 for pioneering climate-change adaptation solutions at a ceremony held on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai.
The grants were awarded under the African Development Bank 2023 YouthAdapt challenge, an annual competition for young entrepreneurs leading micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa with innovative climate change adaptation solutions.
“This year’s focus was on female-owned enterprises pioneering Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) 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,” the AfDB said.
The winning ventures are from the DRC, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, and Zambia, focusing on sectors like agriculture, energy efficiency, disaster risk management, water resources, and biodiversity conservation – areas largely affected by climate change.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for more news
Aside from the grant, they would receive mentorship and coaching as part of a 12-month accelerator program.
See the list of winners below:
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.
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.
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.
Eddah Wanjiru, Arinifu Technologies(link is external), Kenya: The Smart Brooder & Kuku Smart innovation utilise Internet of Things technology, offering poultry solutions and operational insights, benefitting Kenya’s farming community.
Fatoumata Diaby, Jeune Agro-Innovatour, Mali: Jeune Agro-Innovatour’s E-Compost software transforms invasive water hyacinth into premium compost, championing sustainable agricultural practices.
Beth Koigi, Majik Water Technologies, Kenya: Majik Water Technologies pioneers atmospheric water harvesting, providing vital water resources to drought-stricken farming communities in Kenya.
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.
Daniella Ushindi Viruvuswagha, ETS Chemchem Agro(link is external), DRC: Their ApiConnect app employs Machine Learning for strategic beehive placement, significantly boosting honey production in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Stephanie Meltus, Green Eden Farms, Nigeria: Green Eden Farms utilises Scaregrow technology to offer real-time insights, enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigerian agriculture.