Deadline: August 4, 2025
Applications are open for the In-country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025. The In-country YouthADAPT Challenge is calling on youth-led MSMEs and innovators to drive climate adaptation and resilience across Africa.
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. They are 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.
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 the 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
- Entrepreneurs must be between 18-35 years old at the time of application.
- Your business must be legally registered to operate in an African country.
- Business must have generated revenues over a minimum two-year period.
- Must have a SMART business plan for your climate adaptation solution.
- Business must demonstrate direct impact in food security or infrastructure.
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
Application
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.
For more information, visit In-country YouthADAPT Challenge.
