Accelerating Innovation and Anchoring Resilience Through Co…

The GCA YouthADAPT Francophone Accelerator 2021

Across Africa, young entrepreneurs are stepping up to tackle one of the continent’s most pressing challenges—climate change. From erratic rainfall patterns affecting food security to rising temperatures threatening livelihoods, climate change continues to put communities at risk. However, with the right support, Africa’s youth are proving to be at the forefront of climate adaptation solutions. The GCA YouthADAPT Francophone Accelerator implemented by AfriLabs, funded by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Climate Investment Funds (CIF), was designed to empower young climate entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale impactful solutions. Through funding, mentorship, and tailored capacity-building, the program supported a cohort of youth-led enterprises working to improve climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agriculture in their communities. The 2021 Francophone cohort brought together young innovators from diverse African countries, each with a bold vision to address climate adaptation challenges. Selected winners received $100,000 in grant funding, disbursed over three installments, alongside a six-month accelerator program tailored to their business needs. Through this initiative, AfriLabs leveraged its vast network of innovation hubs to provide a dynamic learning environment for these entrepreneurs, connecting them with industry experts, mentors, and investors. The accelerator focused on investment readiness, business development, and scaling strategies—ensuring that the selected enterprises were not only solving climate-related challenges but also building sustainable, high-growth businesses.

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