Two Ghanaian teams of young entrepreneurs have emerged tops in the 2023 African Climate Innovation Challenge (ACIC). 

Low Altitude Maglev and Theseus Development placed second and fourth respectively in the competition aimed at empowering and supporting young African changemakers to tackle the climate crisis through entrepreneurship. 

They are among five winners selected from countries across the continent.

Low Altitude Maglev, second winner

Low Altitude Maglev is developing innovative means to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and store it in the ground, reducing CO₂ concentration. The system also generates clean energy from wind power. 

Theseus Development is designing and developing geopolymer precast components for construction. Geopolymer technology creates sustainable and low-energy consumption buildings, as buildings account for 40% of global energy usage.

Theseus Development, fourth winner

Team Low Altitude Maglev was awarded USD 8,000 while Theseus Development is expected to receive USD 4,000.

Members of this year’s finalists came from Ghana, Nigeria, Madagascar, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

Asili Kwanza from Uganda was crowned the overall winner, receiving USD 10,000 for their social enterprise that provides affordable and sustainable household cooking solutions.

The third and fifth positions were won by Algas Company (Madagascar) and Tyndall Credits from Nigeria.

The projects will receive financial assistance, a streamlined curriculum, and peer-to-peer mentorship to further develop their ideas to scale up and accelerate their solutions. 

A representative at Greenhouse Communications - UK, Oluwalonimi Komi Onipede is upbeat about the successes of the teams as they work tirelessly to improve on the innovations.

“Their success represents an outstanding achievement for Ghana and is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of your country's youth. Low Altitude and Theseus Development will make Ghana proud as the teams continue to develop their solutions and work to tackle the climate crisis, providing new hope to the continent,” he said.

Although Africa accounts for one-fifth of the global population, the region currently attracts only 3% of global energy investment.

It is however expected that the figure will double by 2030.

Consequently, the ACIC is supporting ideas through training and financing to nurture a generation of leaders who will make a lasting impact on our environment.

The winners are expected to pitch their ideas to investors and partners at Africa Climate Week, ongoing in Nairobi from September 6-9, 2023. 

The pitch event that determined the winners provided an inspiring end to the Africa Youth Climate Assembly, the official Regional Conference of Youth for Africa, and a vital component of the African Climate Summit. 

The event was hosted by a coalition of partners including Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), Start.Up Lounge Africa (SLA), and 3E's4Africa with implementing partners: Social Entrepreneurship Hub and Future of Ghana Germany.

Other sponsors include cdw Stiftung, ISC3, Engagement Global, UNICEF, and Global Resilience Partnership.

About Africa Youth Climate Assembly The Africa Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA), the official Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) for Africa, is a dynamic and inclusive platform aimed at uniting and amplifying the voice of African youth, sharing ideas, and showcasing youth solutions in the global fight against climate change.

Under the theme, "African Solutions to Global Challenges", the Assembly will culminate in The Africa Youth Climate Declaration, which will be the result of an inclusive and consultative process across the 5 African regions in the lead-up to and during the assembly.