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Africa is one of the leading continents in conversations about the effects of climate change on the environment and solutions to reverse the damage. But beyond discussions, Africa is actively working to tackle these issues. Its climate tech industry is rapidly growing into an innovation hub brimming with talent and ideas, delivering remarkable solutions to […]
By AU-Startups
Africa is one of the leading continents in conversations about the effects of climate change on the environment and solutions to reverse the damage. But beyond discussions, Africa is actively working to tackle these issues. Its climate tech industry is rapidly growing into an innovation hub brimming with talent and ideas, delivering remarkable solutions to mitigate, contain, or even reverse climate change’s effects.
With climate tech’s growing influence in Africa, the industry is poised to take centre stage in global conversations. Unsurprisingly, this development has caught the attention of investors locally and internationally. In 2024 alone, the sector saw a meteoric rise, pulling in up to $413.9 million by September.
This surge reflects a shift in investment, rivalling popular sectors like fintech. More investors are now placing their trust in companies that merge profitability with sustainability. Given these remarkable results and increasing environmental consciousness, Africa’s climate tech industry is expected to grow even further in 2025. Below, we highlight some startups leading the charge, categorized by their innovative solutions:
Formerly known as Opibus, Roam is a leading company in Africa’s electric mobility revolution. Headquartered in Kenya, it designs and manufactures electric motorcycles and public transport vehicles tailored to the African market. Since its founding in 2017 by Howard Lerman, Roam has manufactured thousands of vehicles and launched the largest electric motorcycle plant in East Africa.
In its most recent funding round in 2023, the company secured $7.5 million to scale production and expand across East Africa. Roam’s vehicles are built for affordability and durability, designed to handle the rugged terrain typical of African roads. Beyond sustainability, the company’s efforts are having socio-economic impacts by creating local jobs in manufacturing and environmentally friendly public transport.
Spiro is another major player in electric mobility, focusing on facilitating the adoption of electric two-wheelers through innovative battery-swapping solutions. One of Africa’s biggest challenges with electric vehicles is unreliable electricity supply and charging infrastructure. Spiro addresses this with its battery swap stations, allowing electric motorcycle owners to quickly replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones.
Based in Kenya, Spiro’s solutions have supported thousands of electric bikes, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to gasoline-powered transport. By addressing infrastructure gaps, the company is driving the adoption of electric mobility across Africa thereby helping to mitigate the environmental effect of gasoline-fueled transport
As climate change continues to impact Africa’s agricultural industry, Senegalese startup Tolbi is helping farmers adapt through smart farm designs. Combining IoT devices and AI analytics, Tolbi offers precision irrigation systems that optimize water usage and enhance crop yields.
Initially co-founded by Mouhamadou Lamine Kebe in 2022 for farmers in arid regions, the need for Tolbi’s solutions has expanded as climate conditions worsen across Africa. By promoting resource efficiency and boosting agricultural productivity, Tolbi is playing a crucial role in combating food insecurity and climate challenges.
Apollo Agriculture is revolutionising small-scale farming in Africa with its climate-smart solutions. Operating in Kenya, the company provides bundled services, including climate-resilient agronomic advice, farm inputs, credit, and insurance for farmers.
Founded in 2016, Apollo leverages a machine learning-enabled platform to tailor recommendations for each farmer’s specific needs. In 2023, it raised $40 million in Series B funding, then it raised another $10 million in 2024, enabling it to expand its impact. By equipping farmers with tools to adapt to climate change, Apollo is improving food security and boosting productivity across the continent.
Octavia Carbon is a trailblazer in climate change reversal. Headquartered in Kenya, it is Africa’s first provider of direct air capture (DAC) solutions, which extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This captured CO2 can then be sold as carbon credits to businesses looking to offset emissions.
By 2024, Octavia unveiled plans to scale operations, aiming to capture millions of tonnes of CO2 annually. This innovation positions Africa as a significant player in the global carbon credit market, combining environmental impact with economic opportunity.
Sand to Green is transforming North Africa’s desert regions into productive agricultural land. The company uses a combination of innovative solutions and strategy to implement climate-smart agriculture.
Based in Morocco, the company employs agroforestry and solar-powered desalination to create fertile land for sustainable farming. Its solutions combat desert encroachment, while addressing food security challenges in arid regions. By reclaiming desert land and fostering afforestation, Sand to Green exemplifies how climate tech can turn adversity into opportunity and contribute to climate change reversal.
Solid waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Africa. But Nigerian startup Scrapays is addressing this issue through its innovative waste management soultion. The company operates a digital platform designed to connect waste producers, collectors, and recyclers. The platform ensures efficient waste collection and processing, reducing the environmental impact while promoting a circular economy.
Since its founding by Boluwatife Arewa and Tope Sulaimon, Scrapays has created jobs in the informal sector and mitigated waste-related greenhouse gas emissions. Its innovative approach exemplifies how technology can drive sustainable waste management.
Kubik, based in Ethiopia and Kenya, is turning hard-to-recycle plastic waste into affordable, low-carbon building materials. Founded in 2021 by Kidus Asfaw and Penda Marre, the company addresses Africa’s waste and housing challenges by producing building materials that are 40% cheaper and emit five times less greenhouse gas than cement-based alternatives.
In 2024, Kubik raised $1.9 million in a seed extension, enabling it to expand operations. With plans to license its technology across Africa by 2025, Kubik is driving sustainable building practices while reducing plastic waste and reducing greenhouse gas contributions.
These startups showcase Africa’s potential to lead the global climate tech movement. By addressing pressing environmental challenges with innovative solutions, they are creating a sustainable future while unlocking economic opportunities and improving livelihoods across the continent. With increasing investment in climate tech, Africa’s role in shaping a greener world is undeniable.
