Today, the African Development Bank in collaboration with the Africa Climate Change Fund and the Global Center on Adaptation announced the commencement of the third edition of the YouthADAPT Challenge 2023. This unique initiative aims to foster female leadership in the tech industry and empower them to tackle the pressing issue of climate change across Africa.

YouthADAPT Challenge 2023 is a remarkable platform that calls upon young entrepreneurs spearheading micro, small, and medium enterprises to present groundbreaking solutions and business ideas that can revolutionize climate change adaptation and resilience in the region. This year, the spotlight is on female-owned enterprises that are trailblazing the frontier of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, leveraging innovative tools such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, robotics, Internet of Things, quantum computing, additive manufacturing, blockchain, and fifth-generation wireless for climate adaptation.

Participants will not only have the opportunity to win $100,000 each but will also receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and coaching to actualize their climate change adaptation solutions and business ideas within their communities and across Africa. Moreover, they will be inducted into the esteemed YouthADAPT Alumni Network, providing them with an invaluable platform to learn from a dynamic community of youth entrepreneurs spread across the continent.

To be considered for this unique opportunity, applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 35 and actively involved in youth-led ventures that offer tangible solutions to real-life climate challenges. Furthermore, the ventures must be registered and operational in Africa, with at least two years of documented accounts.

Interested candidates can apply by visiting the application portal, with the closing date for applications set for 5th November 2023 at 5:00 pm GMT. Additionally, an information session is scheduled for October 23, 2023, at 11 am GMT, designed to provide detailed insights into the YouthADAPT Challenge 2023. During this session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility criteria, application process, critical deadlines, and the various advantages of participation, including grants, mentorship, and business development services.

For more information, please contact the following representatives:

African Development Bank Joash Ntenga Moitui, Communications and Knowledge Management, Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program: j.moitui@afdb.org

Africa Climate Change Fund Rita Effah, Coordinator, Africa Climate Change Fund: r.effah@afdb.org

Global Center on Adaptation Alex Gee, Head of Communications, Global Center on Adaptation: alex.gee@gca.org

About African Development Bank The African Development Bank Group is committed to driving sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries, with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty. The bank achieves this mission by mobilizing and allocating resources for investment in regional member countries and providing policy advice and technical assistance to support development efforts. Learn more: https://www.afdb.org/

About Africa Climate Change Fund The Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF) is a multi-donor trust fund uniquely positioned to contribute to the African Development Bank's goal of tripling its climate financing efforts and fostering a climate-resilient Africa. Visit the ACCF's website: https://accf.afdb.org/

About the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that operates as a solutions broker, accelerating action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local level, in partnership with the public and private sectors. For more information, please visit www.gca.org.