The In-country YouthADAPT Challenge is calling on youth-led MSMEs and innovators to drive climate adaptation and resilience across Africa.
Are you a young entrepreneur operating in any of the following 5 countries in Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria) seeking to raise funds for your climate impact business?
Stand a chance to win a grant to grow your business, plus lots of other benefits.
Africa is on the frontlines of climate change. From erratic weather disrupting agriculture to floods damaging critical infrastructure, the impacts are being felt across sectors—threatening livelihoods, mobility, and food security. We are calling on younth-led MSMEs to bring forward innovative, scalable, and locally relevant solutions that strengthen the country’s resilience to climate shocks. This Call for Solutions seeks bold ideas that address pressing adaptation needs in agriculture and infrastructure, in five countries with a focus on digital tools, green technologies, and community-driven models.
This competition is part of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) developed and implemented by the African Development Bank(AfDB) and the Global Center on Adaptation(GCA).
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
We’re looking for innovative solutions that build resilience to climate change impacts. Here’s what you need to qualify, with priority given to entrepreneurs from our focus countries.
Age Requirement
Entrepreneurs must be between 18-35 years old at the time of application.
Business Registration
Your business must be legally registered to operate in an African country.
Revenue Generation
Business must have generated revenues over a minimum two-year period.
Business Plan
Must have a SMART business plan for your climate adaptation solution.
Impact Focus
Business must demonstrate direct impact in food security or infrastructure.
Eligible Countries
While applications are welcome from across Africa, preference will be given to entrepreneurs from these strategic countries driving climate innovation.
Ghana
Kenya
Nigeria
Rwanda
Tanzania
If you meet these criteria and have a climate adaptation solution focused on food security or infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
The In-Country YouthADAPT Challenge offers comprehensive support to transform your climate innovation from concept to market-ready solution with measurable impact.
Innovation Support
Up to $30,000 in funding plus dedicated mentorship from industry experts to develop and scale your climate solution.
Dragon’s Den Pitch Event
Exclusive platform to present your solution to investors, partners, and stakeholders in a high-visibility national event.
Accelerated Growth
12-month comprehensive program with workshops, technical assistance, and milestone-based support to fast-track your growth.
Networking Opportunities
Access to exclusive investor networks, partnership opportunities, and connections with fellow climate entrepreneurs across Africa.
Investment Connections
Direct access to our partner investor network and opportunities for follow-on funding to scale your impact.
Scale-Up Support
Comprehensive scaling assistance including strategic partnerships, market expansion guidance, and access to follow-on investment opportunities.
Deadline: 4th August, 2025
Click HERE to Apply
