Tanzanian innovation hub, Europe’s agency partner for climate adaptation programme
Business director at SmartLab Larry Ayo, addresses the audience during the official launch of the Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator in Tanzania which is a partnership between SmartLab and EIT Climate-KIC. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The initiative, aimed at promoting climate adaptation solutions, recently began its second cohort attracting over 170 applicants from across Tanzania and only 10 start-ups selected to join the programme
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian innovation hub SmartLab, has partnered with Europe’s climate innovation agency EIT Climate-KIC, to launch a programme that seeks to foster climate adaptation solutions.
The programme dubbed Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator, officially kicked off its second cohort at the weekend in Dar es Salaam.
The initiative drew over 170 applications from across the country but following a competitive selection process, 10 start-ups were chosen to participate.
They include Tanzania Viable Farms, HERVEG.05, NDUGUNAMITI Enterprises Ltd, Kilimomax Solutions, InsectUp, Rada 360 Limited, ThornTsorn, Kesho Technologies Company Limited, DMA, and Addrone Digital.
The selected start-ups will receive customised mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to scale their solutions, which aim to address climate resilience challenges in both rural and urban communities.
Speaking at the launch, business lab director at SmartLab, Mr Larry Ayo, underscored the programme’s significance.
“Our collaboration with EIT Climate-KIC equips Tanzanian entrepreneurs with the tools to develop scalable climate solutions. These innovations address pressing challenges while uplifting the communities that need them most,” he said.
According to a recent FSDT Africa report, Tanzania’s financing ecosystem for climate adaptation initiatives is still nascent but the number of startups has tripled in the last three years.
The ecosystem underscores the challenges faced by early-stage ventures, such as limited access to tailored financing options and a lack of investment readiness.
It also identifies agriculture and energy as the dominant sectors, with innovative startups addressing climate challenges through AI, digital marketplaces, and sustainable technologies.
However, bureaucratic inefficiencies and stringent financial regulations remain key barriers to scaling these ventures.
The launch included a keynote address by programme lead at the Global Resilience Partnership, Mr Gerald David, who emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling climate risks.
“The Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator demonstrates the power of partnerships in addressing climate risks. Programmes like this support local innovators tackling global challenges,” he said.
During the event, start-ups showcased their innovative solutions in areas such as agriculture, livestock, water management, forestry, coastal areas, and human settlements.
In his closing remarks, Smart Africa Group chief executive officer, Mr Edwin Bruno, acknowledged the collective effort behind the initiative.
The programme is part of the Adaptation Innovation Cluster, led by EIT Climate-KIC and funded by Irish Aid.
Since 2019, EIT Climate-KIC has supported more than 300 Tanzanian innovators through various initiatives, including ideation, education and acceleration programmes.
The next phase of the accelerator will begin in early 2025, focusing on providing tailored support for the selected start-ups as they work to address climate challenges and enhance resilience in Tanzania’s communities.
