AFRICA — BFA Global, FSD Africa, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have selected ten innovative, future-looking startups for the Africa Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives.
Each startup will receive US$55,000 in funding to advance its solutions for the blue and green economy in Africa.
Recognizing the wealth of ideas and the potential of Africa’s young innovators, BFA Global, FSD Africa, and the IUCN launched the Africa Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives to unlock solutions for Africa’s blue and green economies.
These Waves were implemented by TECA (Triggering Exponential Climate Action), an initiative of BFA Global, with support from OceanHub Africa and funding from FSD Africa and the Canadian Government.
Through a fellowship program, the Waves supported founders in creating solutions that promote sustainable livelihoods, use ocean and freshwater resources, and restore and regenerate landscapes.
Founded in seven African countries — Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania – the startup ideas were rigorously evaluated and chosen for their innovative approaches.
The approaches addressed critical challenges in the fish trade, environmental pollution, renewable energy certification, eco-friendly fertilizers, waste reduction and management, clean cooking, cold storage, and sustainable drainage solutions. Notably, 50% of the selected startups are women-led companies.
The selected startups and the solutions they are developing include:
ARK [Kenya]: Facilitating new revenue streams for renewable energy projects by assisting them in entering the market and trading international renewable energy certificates.
Eco Guardian [Rwanda]: developing a digital device and service for environmental pollution monitoring.
Khwezi Innovations [South Africa]: creating a biodegradable, 2-in-1 hand glove sanitizer.
Mada Fia [Madagascar]: utilizing Japanese techniques (Himono) and establishing a marketplace for drying and smoking fish.
Lima Aja [Rwanda]: specializes in organic fertilizer production in Rwanda. It utilizes IoT sensors to create pH-correcting fortified organic fertilizers for smallholder farmers.
PETsPoint [Nigeria]: provides a digital platform for both formal and informal waste collectors to efficiently manage recyclable waste collection.
Plas Tech [Kenya]: converting plastic waste into safe cooking gas, offering a more climate and forest-friendly cooking energy source.
Samaking [Kenya]: establishing a chain of franchisable and tech-enabled fish retail shops, combined with upstream capabilities to aggregate produce from farmers and fisherfolk at scale.
Sunwave [Tanzania]: designing and manufacturing solar-powered ice makers for fish storage.
Xi Bassile [Mozambique]: provides sustainable drainage solutions with its Bioswale and Planter Box technology. It utilizes soil, plants, repurposed solid waste, and biomaterials to filter and retain stormwater, thereby mitigating flooding and improving water quality.
These startups represent a diverse group of entrepreneurs poised to contribute significantly to Africa’s blue and green economies.
The funding provided will enable them to develop further and scale their solutions, driving positive change in their respective sectors while promoting environmental sustainability.
TECA and OceanHub Africa will offer hands-on venture-building support and connections to investors, advisors, and support networks to progress their solutions.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy, and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
