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Three Kenyan firms are among eight dynamic African young women-led businesses that emerged as winners of the $800,000 (Sh122.6 million) grant awarded at the Conference of the Parties (COP28) for climate solutions in Dubai.

Each winner of the 2023 YouthAdapt challenge will receive grant funding of up to $100,000 (Sh15.3million). The event is jointly organised by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Global Centre on Adaptation, supported by the Africa Climate Change Fund.

Speaking at the ceremony held on the sidelines of COP28, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina (pictured) emphasised the importance of harnessing youth ideas and creativity to enhance livelihoods and national prosperity. “The Jobs for Youth in Africa and the Skills Employability initiatives at the bank stand as a testament to our commitment to create 25 million jobs for our youth, ensuring that 250 million individuals find their path to the labour market. The Youth ADAPT initiative is a pledge to invest in the youth and shape a thriving future.”

The winners include Lucy Wangari (Onion Doctor Limited), Beth Koigi, (Majik Water Technologies) and Eddah Wanjiru (Arinifu Technologies) of Kenya. Daniella Ushindi Viruvuswagha, (ETS Chemchem Agro) and Deborah Nzarubara, (ETS Grencom) of DRC and Mirriam Chapi, (Chapi Core Tech) of Zambia, Fatoumata Diaby, (Jeune Agro-Innovatour) from Mali and Stephanie Meltus, Green Eden Farms of Nigeria.The winners will also receive a comprehensive mentorship and coaching as part of a 12-month accelerator programme.