The In-Country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 invites applications from youth-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and innovators across Africa who are creating impactful climate adaptation solutions. Organized to support the continent’s resilience efforts, the challenge targets young entrepreneurs addressing climate vulnerabilities in agriculture and infrastructure with innovative, scalable, and locally relevant ideas.

About the Challenge
Africa remains highly exposed to the adverse effects of climate change—from erratic rainfall and droughts affecting agriculture to floods damaging infrastructure and displacing communities. In response, the YouthADAPT Challenge focuses on five strategic countries—Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania—calling on local innovators to provide digital tools, green technologies, and community-driven models that enhance climate resilience.

Ghana Focus Area: Tree Crop Sector
In Ghana, the challenge places particular emphasis on the climate risks affecting vital agricultural sectors such as cocoa, cashew, shea, coconut, oil palm, mango, and rubber. Youth-led enterprises are encouraged to propose solutions that address:

• Water conservation and canopy management
• Agroforestry systems and climate-resilient irrigation
• Drought-tolerant crop varieties and crop diversification
• Rainwater harvesting and adaptive drainage infrastructure
• Climate-informed planting calendars
• Farmer early warning systems and education platforms
• Localized decision-support tools

Program Benefits
Selected participants will benefit from a full suite of business development support:

• 💰 Seed Funding: Up to $30,000 to develop and implement your solution.
• 💡 Mentorship: Expert guidance and technical assistance throughout a 12-month acceleration program.
• 🗣️ Pitch Exposure: Participate in a Dragon’s Den-style national event to pitch your innovation to investors and stakeholders.
• 🌍 Investor & Partner Networks: Gain access to a wide network of potential funders and strategic partners.
• 📈 Growth Support: Receive assistance with scaling, market access, and follow-on investment opportunities.