Top 21 Climate Tech Startups Creating Waves in Africa

The African ClimateTech ecosystem is rapidly becoming a talent, growth, and transformation hotspot.

With a unique blend of innovation and opportunity, Africa is poised to lead the charge in addressing climate change through cutting-edge technology.

In this article, we will examine a list of the top 21 Climate Tech startups leveraging the opportunities of the internet age.

These startups operate across various fields impacting our climate, including water security, carbon capture, renewable energy, and biodiversity data.

These innovators diligently ensure that Africa becomes a leader in climate change technology.

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Introduction

Humankind is now facing arguably the greatest innovation challenge ever: the world has ten years to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to achieve net zero.

The State of Climate Tech 2020 report showed that critical climate tech solutions are gaining increasing investor interest.

Recent analyses have explored how investors secure climate impact and commercial returns from this emerging asset class.

These investments are crucial in keeping the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.

What is Climate Tech?

Climate tech refers to technologies explicitly focused on reducing GHG emissions or addressing the impacts of global warming. Climate tech applications can be grouped into three broad, sector-agnostic categories:

1. Technologies that directly mitigate or remove emissions, especially with the invention of electric cars.
2. Technologies that help us adapt to the impacts of climate change
3. Technologies that enhance our understanding of the climate

Climate tech is intentionally broad to encompass the wide range of technologies and innovations addressing GHG emissions across various industries.

The data underpinning this analysis includes venture capital and private equity investments into startups that have raised at least US$1 million in funding. The funding round types analyzed include grants, Angel, Seed, Series A-H, and IPOs (including SPACs).

Since the data sources have stronger coverage in European and North American markets, this analysis may conservatively estimate the relative levels of Chinese investment and overall investment.

Also read: South Africa Might Take the EU’s New Carbon Tax to the World Trade Organization

What are the Sectors these Tech Startups are Focused on?

The shortlist includes startups from across 11 African nations working in:

1. AgriFinTech (Agricultural Finance Technology): This sector uses technology to improve agricultural financing, insurance, and investment. Startups in this space develop solutions for farmers, agricultural businesses, and financial institutions to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability.
2. Water security: This sector ensures access to clean water and sustainable water management. Startups in this space develop innovative solutions for water conservation, efficient use, and purification, addressing water scarcity and quality challenges.
3. New materials: This sector involves developing innovative materials with improved properties, such as sustainability, durability, or functionality. Startups in this space create alternative materials for various industries, reducing environmental impact and improving product performance.
4. Carbon capture: This sector focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide. Startups in this space develop carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, helping mitigate climate change.
5. Biodiversity data: This sector involves collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data to understand and preserve biodiversity. Startups in this space develop solutions for monitoring, managing, and conserving ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
6. Renewable energy: This sector focuses on developing sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Startups in this space innovate and implement clean energy solutions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
7. Sustainable transport: This sector involves developing environmentally friendly transportation solutions, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, public transportation systems, and non-motorized transportation infrastructure. Startups in this space aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

These sectors are all crucial for addressing various sustainability challenges and promoting environmental stewardship in Africa and beyond!

What are the Lists of Climate Tech Startups in Africa?

Here is a list of Climate Tech Startups that are making significant changes in our Climate in Africa:

1. Tolbi

Mouhamadou Lamine Kebe founded Tolbi. This startup specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions using bioplastics, reducing plastic waste, and promoting a circular economy.

2. Sand to Green

Benjamin Rombaut is the founder of Sand to Green, a Moroccan Climate Tech startup that is concerned with transforming desert areas into sustainable agricultural land with innovative irrigation systems, enhancing food security, and mitigating desertification.

3. Noornation

Founded by Mohammed M. Khaled, they offer sustainable and eco-friendly home cleaning products, promoting a toxin-free environment and reducing chemical pollution.

4. Octavian Carbon

Martin Freimuller founded this startup to develop carbon capture and utilization technologies for industrial applications, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a low-carbon economy.

5. Agro Supply

Founded by Ogwal Joseph, Agro Supply provides sustainable agricultural inputs and services to smallholder farmers, enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices.

6. Scrapays

Founded by Tope Sulaimon and Boluwatife Arewa, Scrapays creates a waste management platform that promotes recycling, upcycling, and proper waste disposal, reducing pollution and fostering a circular economy.

7. Apollo Agriculture

Founded by Benjamin Njenga, Apollo Agriculture is concerned with developing precision farming and insurance solutions for smallholder farmers, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

8. SunCulture

Founded by Samir Ibrahim, SunCulture offers solar-powered irrigation systems and agricultural solutions, reducing energy costs and promoting sustainable farming.

9. Amini AI

Founded by Kate Kallot, Amini AI develops AI-powered sustainable energy solutions for buildings and homes, reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency.

10. Roam

An idea born in Sweden, and founded by Filip Lövström, Roam creates electric motorbikes and sustainable transportation solutions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation.

11. Kubik

Founded by Kidus Asfaw, Kubik develops sustainable and modular housing solutions using recycled materials, reducing waste and promoting green construction practices.

12. Kumulus Water

Iheb Triki founded Kumulus Water offers innovative water management and conservation solutions, reducing water waste and promoting efficient water use.

13. Complete Farmer

Led by their charismatic leader, Desmond Koney, Complete Farmer provides digital agricultural solutions and farm management services, enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices.

14. BasiGo

Founded by Jit Bhattacharya, BasiGo develops battery-swapping technology for electric vehicles, reducing range anxiety and supporting sustainable transportation.

15. Legendary Food

Founded Shobhita Soor, this innovative startup creates plant-based and sustainable food alternatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agriculture.

16. Hohm Energy

Led by their able leader, Tim Ohlsen. Hohm Energy offers energy storage and management solutions for homes and businesses, reducing energy consumption and boosting efficiency.

17. EarthBond

A Nigerian startup founded by Chidalu Onyenso, EarthBond develops sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials, reducing waste and supporting green building practices.

18. Beacon Power Services

Another Nigerian startup led by Bimbola Adisa, Beacon Power Service provides energy management and backup power solutions, lowering energy costs and promoting efficiency.

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19. Koko Networks

Founded by Greg Murray, Koko Networks develops smart and sustainable cooking solutions for households, reducing energy consumption and fostering sustainable cooking practices.

20. Altech

Founded by Malango Washikala, Altech offers sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment solutions, reducing water pollution and promoting clean water use.

21. Kudoti

Founded by Matthieu de Gaudemar, Kudoti creates a waste management platform that encourages recycling, upcycling, and proper waste disposal, reducing pollution and supporting a circular economy.

These startups address various sustainability challenges, from sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency to waste management and eco-friendly products. Their innovative solutions pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

The Future of Climate Tech Startup

Although COP26 has left a sense of optimism for climate technology innovation in Africa, driven by pledges of $100 billion in renewables and $2 billion in environmental conservation and food systems to help cut GHG emissions, build stronger communities, and facilitate climate tech opportunities, Africa needs to bolster the facilitation of ecosystem players to meet the demands of nearly 8 billion people by 2050 while achieving net zero targets.

The sheer weight of population growth and the rapid pace of climate change necessitate a reimagining of Africa’s climate tech agendas. This includes strengthening climate tech policies by reducing policy barriers, facilitating local investor ecosystems with improved financial mechanisms such as patient capital, and building stronger tech ecosystems with hubs across the continent to harness the talent of local economies.

African climate tech stakeholders, from founders and corporations to investors, must collaborate to seize this opportunity. By working together, they can mitigate climate change across Africa and improve the livelihoods of every African.

Read Also: Top 21 Mental Health Startups Creating Waves in Africa

Conclusion

In conclusion, the landscape of ClimateTech in Africa is vibrant and promising, with a diverse range of startups tackling pressing sustainability challenges. From innovative agricultural solutions to renewable energy initiatives and waste management platforms, these startups are driving meaningful change across the continent.

As we move forward, it is crucial for stakeholders, including governments, investors, and communities, to collaborate and support the growth of ClimateTech. Strengthening policies, fostering local investment ecosystems, and nurturing talent through tech hubs will be key in realizing Africa’s potential as a leader in climate innovation.

With continued dedication and collective action, Africa can address climate change and create opportunities for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and improved livelihoods for its people. The time to invest in ClimateTech and sustainable solutions is now, and Africa is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a greener, more resilient future for all.

FAQs

Reference

• 26 African ClimateTech Startups to Watch, According to Impact Investors

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