Call for Applications: In-country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 (grants of up to $30,000 awarded)
Closing Date: 18 August 2025
Call for Applications: In-country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 (grants of up to $30,000 awarded)
Innovate for Africa’s Climate Future
The In-country YouthADAPT Challenge is calling on youth-led MSMEs and innovators to drive climate adaptation and resilience across Africa.
Climate Adaptation Needs
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. African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is calling on youth-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.
Program Overview
The In-Country YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge is a comprehensive program designed to identify, support, and accelerate promising youth-led climate adaptation solutions across Africa. In-country YouthADAPT Challenge provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs scale their impact in food security and infrastructure.
The Challenge specifically focus on climate adaptation solutions in two key sectors: food security (including agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing) and infrastructure (including water management, renewable energy, and climate-resilient construction).
African Adaptation Acceleration Program
This challenge is part of the African Adaptation Acceleration Program, a joint initiative between the Global Center on Adaptation, the African Development Bank and the African Union. The AAAP goal is to increase climate finance for Africa by mobilizing $25 billion to scale up innovative and transformative actions on climate change adaptation across Africa.
Selected participants receive comprehensive support including financial funding, one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, access to our network of investors and partners, technical assistance, and opportunities to showcase their solutions at international events.
Program Benefits
The In-Country YouthADAPT Solutions 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.
Eligibility Criteria
In-Country YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge is looking for innovative solutions that build resilience to climate change impacts. Here’s what you need to qualify, with priority given to entrepreneurs from the 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 which are Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania
If you meet these criteria and have a climate adaptation solution focused on food security or infrastructure, In-Country YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge would love to hear from you.Start Your Application
Application Process
The application process involves submitting an online application with your business plan, financial statements, and impact metrics. This is followed by a review process, virtual interviews, and final selection. The entire process takes approximately 8-10 weeks.
Click Here To Apply
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