Ten innovative African startups are making waves in the clean technology sector, having been selected for the prestigious Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives. The initiatives, spearheaded by BFA Global, FSD Africa, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), aim to accelerate the development of Africa’s blue and green economies through targeted funding and support.
Each of the chosen startups will receive $55,000 in funding to further develop their solutions, which address pressing environmental challenges such as fish trade sustainability, pollution monitoring, waste management, and renewable energy certification. The diverse cohort of entrepreneurs hails from seven African countries: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania.
The Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives, implemented by BFA Global’s Triggering Exponential Climate Action (TECA) program, offer a comprehensive fellowship program to support founders in creating solutions that promote sustainable livelihoods, resource management, and landscape restoration. This culminates in a final pitch day, where founders present their ideas to industry experts and potential investors.
Rasima Swarup, TECA Director at BFA Global, expressed pride in supporting these visionary entrepreneurs and their potential to drive positive change in Africa. The selected startups include:
- ARK (Kenya): Streamlining renewable energy project revenue through international renewable energy certificate trading.
- Eco Guardian (Rwanda): Developing a digital pollution monitoring device and service.
- Khwezi Innovations (South Africa): Creating a biodegradable hand glove sanitizer.
- Mada Fia (Madagascar): Utilizing Japanese techniques to establish a marketplace for drying and smoking fish.
- Lima Aja (Rwanda): Producing pH-correcting fortified organic fertilizers for smallholder farmers using IoT sensors.
- PETsPoint (Nigeria): Providing a digital platform for efficient recyclable waste collection management.
- Plas Tech (Kenya): Converting plastic waste into safe cooking gas, offering a more climate-friendly energy source.
- Samakiing (Kenya): Establishing a tech-enabled fish retail chain with upstream capabilities for aggregating produce.
- Sunwave (Tanzania): Designing and manufacturing solar-powered ice makers for fish storage.
- Xi Bassile (Mozambique): Providing sustainable drainage solutions using Bioswale and Planter Box technology.
The startups’ solutions demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact. Mary Kashangaki, Assistant Manager for Digital Innovation at FSD Africa, highlighted the importance of supporting African talent in the green transition, acknowledging the potential of these startups to improve lives and climate outcomes.
Thomas Sberna, Regional Head of Coastal and Ocean Resilience at IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa, emphasized the urgency of addressing the triple planetary crisis and the need for regenerative solutions. He sees the Africa Blue Wave and these startups as a source of “blue hope” for the continent and beyond.
The selected African startups will receive continued support from Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives, TECA and OceanHub Africa, including venture-building assistance, access to investors and advisors, and networking opportunities. This holistic approach aims to foster the growth and scalability of their innovative solutions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.