Call to join Sierra Leone’s Adaptation Innovation Cluster: Driving Climate Solutions in the Water, Energy, and Food Sectors

Are you driving climate resilience in Sierra Leone’s Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) sectors? Join the Adaptation Innovation Cluster and help shape a more resilient future for communities across the country. 

The Global Environment Facility GEF is supporting a programme titled the “Promotion of climate adaptation technology and business model innovations and entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone” (CATBIE), which is implemented by UNIDO, executed by SMEDA on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, and Climate KIC as the technical project partner. 

The aim is to establish a vibrant market for climate adaptation solutions in Sierra Leone by empowering local innovators and enabling vulnerable communities to access the necessary finance. 

As one component, the programme brings together diverse stakeholders including entrepreneurship support organisations, businesses, NGOs, investors, academic institutions, or government agencies, who are either working themselves directly in the water, energy and food sectors or supporting start-ups and businesses to do so. The innovation cluster aims to identify needs and co-create solutions that strengthen climate resilience, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) promote sustainable technologies and attract private sector investment. Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has immense potential to drive climate resilience. However, it remains largely untapped due to structural and capacity challenges. Through a series of central and regional workshops, participating organisations will engage in knowledge exchange, ecosystem building, and collaborative action aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Adaptation Plan. These efforts will also inform future initiatives, including an upcoming Accelerator Programme to advance private sector investment in the WEF sectors. 

Who can apply?  

• Organisations or individuals legally registered and operating in Sierra Leone. 
• Entrepreneurship support organisations, NGOs, commercial businesses, start-ups, investors, academic institutions, and government agencies working to advance climate resilience in the water, energy and/or food sectors. 
• Entrepreneur support organisations (e.g. incubators, accelerators, start-up associations, universities, or research units) are especially encouraged to apply.
• Experience and/or demonstrated commitment in leading, supporting, and collaborating in problem-solving climate workshops through capacity building, ecosystem development, and fundraising. 
• Providers of products or services that serve the public good on climate action, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship for the water, energy and/or food sectors.
• Organisations with the operational capacity to participate effectively in both online and in-person activities, with access to a computer and the internet. 

What will you gain?  

Be part of a growing movement driving climate resilience and innovation in Sierra Leone. By joining us, you’ll gain access to a powerful network, resources, and opportunities designed to amplify your impact.  

• Access to training opportunities (in person and online) on climate change, adaptation, entrepreneurship and leadership.  
• Global and local expertise to strengthen support in adaptation innovations, technology and business.  
• Visibility and support to scale adaptation solutions in the water, energy and food sectors. 
• Participation in a national platform shaping Sierra Leone’s climate resilience strategy and policies. 
• Opportunities to connect with stakeholders from across Sierra Leone and lead local clusters alongside local and global partners. 
• Opportunities to organise entrepreneurship programmes for startups, as part of Climate KICs global platform.   

Timeline:  

• October: Applications are received and reviewed by Implementing Partners.
• November: Decisions are communicated and onboarding begins. 
• Last week of November: Participation in an in-person workshop in the last week of November in Freetown. 
• 2026 to 2029: Regular virtual trainings (every 2-3 months) and in-person Annual National Forums.