African Development Bank Launches 2025 YouthADAPT Challenge for African MSMEs and Innovators (Up to $30,000 in Grants and Support)
Youth-led MSMEs and innovators are being urged by the In-country YouthADAPT Challenge to promote resilience and climate adaptation throughout Africa.
Are you a young business owner looking to raise money for your climate impact venture in one of the following five African nations: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, or Nigeria?
Get a chance to earn a grant to expand your company, along with many other advantages.
The continent of Africa is at the forefront of climate change. The effects are being seen in many sectors, endangering livelihoods, mobility, and food security, from volatile weather that disrupts agriculture to floods that destroy vital infrastructure. In order to increase the nation’s resilience to climate shocks, we are urging youth-led MSMEs to provide creative, scalable, and locally applicable solutions. With an emphasis on digital tools, green technology, and community-driven approaches, this Call for Solutions is looking for innovative ideas that tackle urgent adaptation requirements in infrastructure and agriculture across five nations.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) created and oversee the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), which includes this competition.
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
