Join the Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) – Cohort 2
The Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) is now accepting applications for its second cohort. The six-month accelerator is designed to support early-stage startups developing Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
As global efforts to reach net-zero intensify, it has become clear that emissions reduction alone will not be sufficient. Durable carbon removal solutions are essential, and Africa—driven by a growing pool of innovative entrepreneurs—has the potential to become a global hub for climate-positive carbon removal technologies.
ACRA exists to help founders translate this potential into impact by strengthening scientific foundations, business models, and ecosystem connections within the African context.
About the Accelerator
The programme is led by carbon-removal specialists and research institutions with global experience in climate innovation, including teams from remove, a leading CDR-focused accelerator, sus.lab at ETH Zurich, and the Net Zero Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition. The accelerator is delivered in partnership with Strathmore University and the Nuvoni Centre for Innovation Research.
Over six months, participating startups receive tailored technical guidance, ecosystem access, and entrepreneurial support focused exclusively on carbon removal.
Embedded in African Research and Context
ACRA places strong emphasis on solutions that align with local development priorities. Participants engage with research on CDR technologies that offer sustainable development co-benefits for African economies and ecosystems, while also learning about regulatory, infrastructural, and market conditions critical to building a domestic carbon removal ecosystem.
Programme Language and Format
-
The programme is conducted in English
-
Sessions are primarily virtual, with optional in-person events when beneficial
-
Participants must have reliable internet access and basic audio-visual equipment to fully engage
Funding
The accelerator does not provide direct funding. Instead, it focuses on capacity building, ecosystem access, and strategic support to help startups become investment- and market-ready.
Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 14 January 2026.
Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.
Additional Information
- Exposure to the latest research on CDR approaches suitable for Sub-Saharan Africa
- Guidance on building credible, durable, and verifiable removal solutions
- Access to a global carbon removal community, including buyers, verification bodies, policymakers, and fundraising professionals
- Opportunities to connect with African and international research institutions and ecosystem partners
- Ongoing peer learning and collaboration within a focused CDR founder network
- Building an early-stage startup with carbon removal at its core
- Based in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Developing science-based removal solutions (not emission avoidance or reduction)
- Planning to found, or already operating, a company in the region
- Founders retain majority ownership of the venture
- Ready to commit time and effort to a six-month accelerator programme
Startups working on the removal of other greenhouse gases may also apply, provided the solution focuses on active atmospheric removal, not prevention.
Join the Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) – Cohort 2 0 reviews
Login to Write Your ReviewThere are no reviews yet.
