EIT Climate-KIC launches new Adaptation Innovation Cluster in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 15 September 2023 – Green Makers Solution Tanzania, a circular economy solution recycling plastic into floor paving won the first prize in the Climate Innovation Networking Event in presence of Hon. Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, Minister of Environment of Tanzania. The occasion also marked the official launch of the Adaptation Innovation Cluster in Tanzania, an ambitious new initiative to accelerate the country’s climate change adaptation. 

Organised by EIT Climate-KIC and Anza, the Climate Innovation Networking Event gathered key policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, experts, investors, and organisations, and aimed to explore avenues for cooperation in climate innovation. Participants engaged in a series of panel discussions on technological advancements, policy frameworks, and innovative financing mechanisms for climate action.  

Present at the event, Tanzanian’s Minister of Environment Hon. Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, highlighted the national imperative for climate resilience and DR. Gerald Kafuku, the Director of Center for Development and Transfer of Technology at Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology, emphasised the role of innovation and entrepreneurs in the fight against climate change in Tanzania.  

The event featured a pitching competition that provided innovators an opportunity for recognition and securing essential funding for their climate solutions.  

Green Makers Solution Tanzania won the first prize with their circular economy solution that recycles plastic into floor paving.

The second prize went to Farmtime Company Limited, a company that produces biofertilizers from organic waste and the third prize to Rihuma Aquaculture, an organisation that develops an innovative infrastructure targeting seaweed farmers in coastal regions. 

Launching the Adaptation Innovation Cluster 

The occasion also marked the official launch of the Adaptation Innovation Cluster in Tanzania, an ambitious new initiative aimed at accelerating the country’s adaptation to climate change. 

“In today’s interconnected world, tackling the complex issue of climate change requires more than just isolated efforts; it calls for unified action. We are at a critical juncture where the traditional divides between rural communities, innovators, government, and the private sector must be bridged to foster holistic solutions,” Sophie White, Project Lead at EIT Climate-KIC. 

Building upon EIT Climate-KIC’s decade-long experience in pioneering innovation clusters globally, the new programme focuses on supporting locally developed climate adaptation solutions. It aims to foster an enabling environment that encourages green innovation throughout Tanzania, thus stimulating the growth of new green start-ups, employment, and investment. 

“We must ensure that every voice is heard—especially those from our rural communities who are often the most affected yet the least heard. These are the people who live the reality we are all discussing here today. Their insights are not just valuable; they are essential. That’s why collaborative platforms like the Adaptation Innovation Cluster are so important,” Ayoub Derdabi, Senior Manager Adaptation Innovation at EIT Climate-KIC.

Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland (Irish Aid), the Adaptation Innovation Cluster aims to increase locally developed, affordable adaptation solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Tanzania.  

“Ireland is delighted to partner with EIT Climate-KIC as part of our broader focus on supporting local action to find sustainable solutions to the climate crisis – and in particular empowering women and girls to be at the heart of these solutions. We are at the forefront of efforts to support those countries and people least responsible for climate change to adapt and access financing, including here in Tanzania, where a key focus is on sustainable livelihoods for rural and coastal communities,” said Nancy Kataraihya, Programme Officer, Embassy of Ireland.

Furthermore, the initiative is designed to enhance both public and private sector capacities, empowering them to conceptualise and implement transformative innovation programmes aimed at building climate resilience. This approach will not only meet immediate needs but also build system-wide resilience that benefits both national and local communities.  

If you’re interested to hear more about EIT Climate-KIC’s Adaptation Innovation Cluster, contact us at media@climate-kic.org 

 

About EIT Climate-KIC 

EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, supporting cities, regions, countries and industries around the globe to meet their climate ambitions through systems innovation and place-based transformations. 

The Adaptation Innovation Cluster programme works in conjunction with other complementary projects in Tanzania, such as ClimateLaunchpad, the WINnERS project, the Climate Smart Forest Economy Programme (CSFEP), the AfroGreen ClimAccelerator and the Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator. 

Since 2019, Irish Aid’s funding has fuelled EIT Climate-KIC’s entrepreneurship activities in the Global South with support to ClimateLaunchpad, Blue Economy, Adaptation and Resilience, and Gender Mainstreaming for Entrepreneurship.