Kenya is emerging as a powerhouse in climate-tech innovation, with local entrepreneurs developing solutions that address Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges. At the Scaling Climate-Tech Innovation in Kenya and Beyond Pitch & Investor Networking Reception, hosted by JICA in partnership with Delta40 Venture Studio, Novastar, and Factor[E], Kenyan ventures showcased groundbreaking approaches in clean energy, carbon removal, and climate resilience. The event brought together Japanese conglomerates, public institutions, and investors, highlighting Kenya’s role as a hub for climate innovation on the continent. These startups demonstrate that African solutions are not only adaptable to local needs but also have global relevance.
Innovative Kenyan ventures are tackling climate challenges with practical, high-impact solutions. Farm to Feed converts surplus produce into valuable food products, addressing food loss affecting nearly half of fruits and vegetables in Kenya. IBISA Network strengthens smallholder farmers’ resilience through climate insurance and adaptation tools, while VunaPay enables instant mobile payments for farmers, boosting financial inclusion. Octavia Carbon is pioneering Direct Air Capture in the Global South, leveraging renewable energy to remove CO₂ and position Africa as a climate-tech leader. Sistema.bio provides clean energy and reduces indoor air pollution, saving thousands of lives annually. Collectively, these startups illustrate how Kenyan entrepreneurs are turning climate challenges into sustainable business opportunities.
This momentum is further supported by initiatives like Project NINJA, a six-week venture acceleration and mentorship program under the Startup Ecosystem Enhancement Project in East Africa. The initiative aims to scale high-potential climate-tech companies and prepare them for investment. Kenya’s success demonstrates the power of combining local innovation, public-sector support, and international partnerships to address climate change. By fostering entrepreneurship, investing in technology, and promoting knowledge-sharing, Kenyan innovators are setting a precedent for Africa, proving that the continent can lead in climate solutions while creating economic opportunities and building resilience for communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.