Two young African innovators developing cutting-edge climate adaptation solutions have emerged as winners of the YouthADAPT Challenge 2025, receiving a combined $90,000 in grants to scale projects that strengthen resilience in key sectors such as food security and infrastructure.
The challenge, which supports youth-led entrepreneurship and innovation in climate change adaptation across Africa, is promoted by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) in partnership with the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) and the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC).
Held in Lagos, the two-day YouthADAPT 2025 Demo Day (Nigeria) featured 15 innovators pitching sustainable business ideas that address local and regional climate challenges. Each participant received $1,000 for their participation, while two outstanding finalists secured the top prizes of $60,000 and $30,000, respectively, to scale their ventures.
Speaking at the event, President and CEO of GCA, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, said African youth are not only victims of the climate crisis but also “architects of the solutions.”
“This program provides practical climate leadership by creating jobs, strengthening food systems, and aligning innovation with national climate priorities,” he said.
He explained that the initiative was designed to connect youth-led enterprises with investors and financial institutions, bridging the funding gap for climate-smart innovations across the continent.
“We are giving investors access to promising adaptation businesses. I call on banks, development finance institutions, and corporate partners to join this movement,” Verkooijen added.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of KCIC, Joseph Murabula, described Africa’s youthful population as the continent’s greatest resource, noting that the challenge equips young Africans with funding, mentorship, and market access to transform their climate adaptation ideas into viable businesses.
“Through YouthADAPT, we are not only supporting innovation but building climate resilience from the ground up. The goal is to help these young entrepreneurs move from ideas to impact,” Murabula said.
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, praised the initiative, saying that climate change presents an opportunity to harness adaptable and innovative solutions from young people.
“Platforms like YouthADAPT provide the long-term view needed to build a sustainable environment and livelihood for Nigerians,” she said.
The YouthADAPT Challenge continues to catalyze sustainable job creation and youth-led entrepreneurship, positioning Africa’s innovators at the forefront of the global climate resilience movement.
