The In-Country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 is an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP). It supports youth-led MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) that are tackling climate adaptation challenges across Africa.
The Challenge seeks innovative, scalable, and community-driven solutions focused on agriculture and infrastructure resilience to climate change.
When is the Application Deadline:
🗓️ 4th August, 2025
🌍 Tell Me About The Award:
Read Also:
- Applications Call: Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs 4.0 for Women in Business
- Invitation to Apply: $50,000 BRICS Young Innovators Prize Competition for South African Entrepreneurs 2025
- University of Cambridge L’Oréal Groupe Sustainable Innovation Accelerator Program 2025 for SMEs: Apply Now
- FG Requires University Students to take drug tests & drug education in the curriculum
- The Nigerian Government Offers Undergraduate Scholarships at N450,000 and PhD Scholarships at N750,000 as Part of N6 Billion Program
🧪 Which Fields are Eligible?
Climate adaptation solutions in the following sectors:
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Tree crops: cocoa, cashew, shea, coconut, oil palm, mango, rubber
- Water conservation, agroforestry, irrigation, adaptive planting, and drought-resistant varieties
- Infrastructure
- Flood management, drainage systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure
- Focus areas include:
- Green technologies
- Digital tools
- Community-based adaptation models
📘 Type:
Business/Startup Competition and Capacity Building Program
👥 Who can Apply?
- Youth-led MSMEs with founders aged 18–35
- Businesses legally registered in any African country
- Must show revenue generation over the past two years
- Must have a SMART business plan
- Should demonstrate measurable impact in food security or infrastructure
🧠 How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Relevance and scalability of their climate adaptation solution
- Business maturity (2+ years of operations)
- Clear impact in food security or infrastructure
- Participation in a pitch event (Dragon’s Den) for finalists
🌐 Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applications are welcome from across Africa, but priority is given to youth-led MSMEs in:
- 🇬🇭 Ghana
- 🇰🇪 Kenya
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria
- 🇷🇼 Rwanda
- 🇹🇿 Tanzania
📍 Where will the Award be Taken?
Implementation and support are in-country within each of the five priority nations.
Pitch events and training will be organized locally.
🔢 How Many Awards?
Not specifically stated, but multiple MSMEs will be selected across the five focus countries.
🎁 What is the Benefit of the Award?
- 💵 Up to $30,000 in grant funding
- 🧑🏫 12-month business acceleration program
- 🎤 National pitch event (Dragon’s Den) to present to investors and partners
- 🌍 Access to investor and partner networks
- 🧭 Mentorship, technical assistance, and strategic support
- 📈 Scale-up and market expansion guidance
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
📆 12 months of structured support and mentorship
📝 How to Apply:
Interested youth-led MSMEs should complete the online application before the deadline.