Call for applications – YouthADAPT Challenge 2023: empowering Africa’s female tech innovators to tackle climate change

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 25, 2023/ — The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (https://apo-opa.info/3s7IvoI), a joint initiative of the African Development Bank (http://www.AfDB.org) and the Global Center on Adaptation, has launched a call for applications for the third edition of the YouthADAPT Challenge, which seeks to support young entrepreneurs driving solutions to tackle climate change.

The annual YouthADAPT competition invites young entrepreneurs leading micro, small, and medium enterprises in Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas that can drive climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent.

This year’s call focuses on female-owned enterprises pioneering Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence; big data analytics; virtual reality; robotics; internet of things; quantum computing; additive manufacturing; blockchain, and fifth-generation wireless for climate adaptation.

With support from the Africa Climate Change Fund (https://ACCF.AfDB.org/), hosted by the Bank, the winners will be awarded $100,000 each, alongside mentorship and coaching to further their climate change adaptation solutions and business ideas. They will also join the YouthADAPT Alumni Network to learn from a dynamic community of youth entrepreneurs throughout Africa.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 35. Their ventures should be youth-led and offer tangible solutions to real-life climate challenges. They must be registered and operational in Africa, with at least two years’ worth of accounts.

Apply by visiting the YouthADAPT competition portal (https://apo-opa.info/3Q8WLVZ).  The closing date for applications is 5 November 2023 at 17:00 GMT. An information session is scheduled for 23 October 2023 at 11:00 GMT to share details about the YouthADAPT Challenge 2023. This session will cover eligibility criteria, the application process, important deadlines, and the advantages of participation, such as grants, mentorship, and business development services.

Contacts:
African Development Bank
Joash Ntenga Moitui,
Communications and Knowledge Management,
Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program
E-mail: j.moitui@afdb.org

Africa Climate Change Fund
Rita Effah, Coordinator,
Africa Climate Change Fund
r.effah@afdb.org

Global Center on Adaptation
Alex Gee,
Head of Communications,
Global Center on Adaptation
E-mail: alex.gee@gca.com

SOURCE
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)