Two young African innovators have clinched top prizes at the 2025 YouthADAPT Challenge, earning $60,000 and $30,000 respectively, for their pioneering climate adaptation solutions designed to strengthen resilience in food security, infrastructure, and other key sectors across the continent.
The annual initiative seeks to empower youth-led enterprises and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Businesses (MSMEs) driving innovation in climate change adaptation and sustainability. By providing financial and technical support, the programme aims to boost green entrepreneurship and create sustainable jobs across Africa.
Jointly promoted by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), and the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), the challenge helps close the funding gap for young innovators tackling Africa’s climate challenges.
This year’s YouthADAPT 2025 Demo Day in Lagos featured 15 pitching sessions, delivered in a hybrid format. Each participant received $1,000, while a five-member expert panel evaluated the technical strength, market viability, and potential impact of their innovations.
President and Chief Executive Officer of GCA, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, praised Africa’s youth for their creativity and resilience, describing them as “architects of the solutions” to the climate crisis.
“This programme offers practical climate leadership by creating jobs, strengthening food systems, and aligning innovation with national climate priorities,” Verkooijen said.
He added that the initiative not only highlights Africa’s growing climate innovation ecosystem but also connects young entrepreneurs with investors and technical partners through a structured due diligence process designed to scale promising enterprises continent-wide.
