Africa Climate Tech: Innovators, investors and leaders unite

Kenya’s capital city is poised to this week host an invite-only, game-changing event that will put the spotlight squarely on the innovators, investors, and ecosystem builders driving climate action in Africa. The Africa Climate Tech Festival, co-hosted by AfricArena and the Catalyst Fund, is set to take place on Thursday, 7 September, and promises to reshape the continent’s approach to climate change.

Far more than just another conference, this festival represents a clarion call for action, a convergence of brilliant minds, and a testament to the indispensable role of start-ups and technology in fortifying Africa’s resilience against the impacts of climate change.

In a region accustomed to confronting challenges with ingenuity, the festival stands as a beacon of hope, bringing together African start-up innovators and visionary investors for a day of transformative discussions, dynamic workshops, and collaborative momentum-building.

Pioneering climate innovation: Start-ups leading the way

In a continent where the imperatives of climate adaptation and resilience have become increasingly urgent, start-ups have emerged as the unsung heroes of the narrative. These agile and forward-thinking entities are upending traditional paradigms, propelling change at an unprecedented pace.

The Africa Climate Tech Festival serves as the epicentre where these start-ups gather to unveil ground-breaking solutions, pitch visionary ideas, and catalyse collective progress.

Leaders in climate action

Diving into the heart of Africa’s climate action leadership, the Africa Climate Tech Festival brings forth a formidable line-up of influential figures who are driving innovation, investing in change, and shaping the course of climate action on the continent.

• With a wealth of experience as the UNFCCC Climate Champions’ Special Advisor and Africa director, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo embodies a deep understanding of trade, investment, and industrial development dynamics within the context of climate change.
• As the founder of Africa Climate Ventures, James Mwangi stands as a guiding force in the pursuit of climate resilience and innovation across the African landscape.
• Anne-Marie Chidzero, chief investment officer at FSD Africa Investments, plays a pivotal role in channelling investments toward sustainable climate solutions.
• The Mastercard Foundation’s climate action lead, Chirag Shamdasani, contributes a wealth of knowledge and resources towards advancing climate initiatives across the continent.

Innovators pioneering change

• Nneile Nkholise, the visionary CEO of Thola, is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture supply chain innovation, skillfully merging technology and climate-consciousness.
• Eli Pollak, founder and CEO of Apollo Agriculture, is leading the charge in revolutionizing agriculture through technology, bolstering Africa’s climate resilience.
• As the founder and CEO of Kubik, Kidus Asfaw is driving innovation in climate solutions, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Investors fuelling progress

• Muthoni Wachira, advisor at Katapult Africa, a key investor in climate tech ventures, playing an instrumental role in propelling impactful climate solutions forward.
• Karen Waithaka, chief investment officer at the Catalyst Fund, channels resources and expertise into nurturing early-stage climate tech start-ups, fostering innovation.
• Shruti Chandrasekhar, the head of private equity investments in Africa at the International Finance Corporation, is a critical player in catalysing investments that empower Africa’s climate resilience journey.

Together, these leaders, innovators, and investors form a powerful force at the Africa Climate Tech Festival, driving the continent toward a more sustainable, resilient, and climate-conscious future. This exclusive event spotlights their collective dedication and commitment to making a lasting impact on the fight against climate change in Africa.

The dynamic collaboration between AfricArena and the Catalyst Fund exemplifies the power of partnerships in fostering sustainable change. The Catalyst Fund, now a $40 million pre-seed venture capital fund and accelerator, champions climate tech that builds resilience across the African continent. Launched in 2015 by BFA Global as a global accelerator, the Catalyst Fund has been a steadfast force propelling early-stage inclusive fintech start-ups into the spotlight of financial innovation.

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