By Eddah Waithaka
Jacob’s Ladder Africa, a prominent continental non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting green solutions and sustainability across the continent, recently held an inspiring exhibition in Nairobi that highlighted the groundbreaking climate innovations of young green entrepreneurs.
Throughout the challenge, participants presented a diverse array of innovative projects, each reflecting a unique approach to integrating renewable energy into food systems. From solar-powered irrigation systems to bioenergy solutions for food processing, these ideas highlight the creativity and resourcefulness of young leaders in the region.
The event not only fostered collaboration among budding entrepreneurs but also emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.
The event showcased a diverse range of solutions emphasizing the integration of clean energy into daily practices, ranging from energy-efficient farming and renewable energy-powered food processing to sustainable transportation and waste reduction via smart energy systems.
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Finalists were chosen from a wide range of counties, including Baringo, Busia, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Kisumu, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, and Nairobi.
After undergoing comprehensive mentorship and training, the young entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a panel of expert judges, all competing for the opportunity to expand their solutions and tackle the increasing challenges within the region’s food systems.
The event included an expert judging panel made up of industry leaders such as Luiza Munyua, Senior Scientific Officer at the African Union; Omondi Kasidhi, Senior Manager of Digital Growth & Commercialization for Africa at Yara International; Mutembei Kariuki, Co-Founder and CEO of Fastagger; Ann Ichungwa, Founder of GAK Advisory; Bilha Ndirangu, CEO of Great Carbon Valley; and Sharon Olende, responsible for Trade & Working Capital Finance at Churpy Inc. They assessed the finalists’ solutions and determined the winners.
Speaking during the Demo day, Karen Chelang’at, Chief Innovation Officer at Jacob’s Ladder Africa, highlighted the program’s significance in addressing youth unemployment.
“By creating opportunities for young people, we are not only addressing the issue of unemployment but also equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the green economy,” Chelang’at said.
“Many startups fail due to weak foundations, and we aim to address that by building strong foundations for these entrepreneurs.”
The showcased innovative projects featured Solar Compost IT, an in-vessel composting machine designed to convert organic waste into compost, bio-fertilizer, and pellets, thereby contributing to the reduction of methane emissions. Another highlighted project was NuRa, a solar-powered steam generator intended for large-scale kitchens.
This organization has set a goal of generating 30 million jobs in Africa’s green economy by 2033, focusing on socio-economic development through initiatives in entrepreneurship, advocacy, and workforce readiness. Additionally, cash prizes ranging from Sh10,000 to Sh200,000 were awarded to the leading participants.
