Businesses to pitch live homegrown solutions at Africa Climate Investment Summit

By Monica MUEMA

Local entrepreneurs will look to grab investment opportunities at the upcoming Africa Climate Investment Summit (ACIS), a continental platform for climate-smart investments, poised for 28 to 30 October 2025 in Nairobi.

The continental summit comes ahead of the United Nations (UN) climate conference (COP30), which kicks off in November in the Amazonian city of Belém.

ACIS is is collaborating with the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) and partner hubs across Africa, with the summit expected to draw over 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates, and development partners to identify how to strengthen Africa’s role in the global climate economy.

Africa is one of the most affected continents in the global community, challenged by the climate crisis, contributing just 4% of global emissions, yet it experiences some of the severest impacts of climate change.

From devastating droughts and unpredictable weather patterns to water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and energy poverty, these challenges cost the continent between $7 and $15 billion every year.

The harsh impacts of climate change continue to be felt by farmers watching their crops fail, families without access to reliable power, and communities struggling to secure safe drinking water.

Yet, Africa also holds immense promise with 60% of the world’s best solar resources, fertile agricultural land, and vibrant ecosystems that can drive a climate-resilient future.

Although many entrepreneurs are creating solutions on the ground, many still lack the funding, policy backing, and investor links needed to grow and scale their impact. Less than 2% of global climate finance currently reaches African innovators.

The Summit will focus on four priority sectors: agribusiness, renewable energy, waste & water management, and nature-based solutions. These sectors represent both Africa’s greatest vulnerabilities and its biggest opportunities for climate-resilient growth.

At ACIS, participants will meet innovators building drought-resistant crops to feed growing populations, recycling enterprises turning waste into value, solar energy companies bringing clean power to rural communities, and restoration projects protecting forests and coastlines.

These are not abstract solutions, but are businesses run by real people, solving real problems, and creating jobs that improve lives. ACIS is about turning their ideas into thriving enterprises by connecting them with capital, mentorship, and partnerships.

The Summit will also launch the Africa Climate Investment Platform and Revolving Fund, creating a vehicle to channel financing directly into climate-smart enterprises. In addition, it will consolidate Africa’s unified position on climate investment through the African Climate Investment Manifesto, to be presented at COP30 in Brazil.

“African entrepreneurs are solving pressing climate challenges, but too often they lack the support to scale. The Climate Investment Summit will change this by connecting them directly with investors and positioning Africa as a hub for climate-smart innovation. This is about creating opportunities, jobs, and a future where Africa leads in climate solutions.” Said Joseph Marabula, CEO of KCIC.

“Africa’s climate investment story is also a human story. Every deal we close at ACIS is a family gaining clean energy, a farmer building resilience, and a community reducing its vulnerability to climate shocks.

The Summit will catalyse not only investment but also partnerships that drive Africa’s green transformation.” Said Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC).

As Kenya’s premier climate innovation hub, KCIC has invested over a decade in supporting entrepreneurs across agribusiness, renewable energy, waste and water management, and nature-based sectors.

Its role at ACIS is to bring together innovators and investors, provide technical expertise, and showcase client businesses that demonstrate how climate solutions can drive both impact and economic growth.

KCIC also leverages its proven track record of managing donor funds from partners such as DANIDA, the EU, the World Bank, and the IKEA Foundation to ensure ACIS delivers measurable outcomes.

ACIS invites investors, corporates, governments, development partners, SMEs, and startups to participate in this landmark gathering. For investors, it is a unique opportunity to engage with investment-ready enterprises and explore scalable solutions.

For corporates and sponsors, the Summit offers visibility, collaboration, and the opportunity to position themselves as climate leaders driving Africa’s sustainable future.

For policymakers and development partners, it is a platform to align strategies and coordinate climate finance flows.

Partners are encouraged to mobilise their networks, co-host sessions, and contribute to shaping the African Climate Investment Manifesto. Above all, ACIS is a chance for all stakeholders to come together and ensure that Africa’s climate economy delivers on both resilience and growth.

The Africa Climate Investment Summit is a platform for action, a showcase of African ingenuity, and a rallying call for partners across the continent and the world to support the innovators driving a sustainable future.

Together, we can finance climate-smart solutions, expand inclusive green jobs, and amplify Africa’s voice in the global climate agenda.