Nigerian women excelling in the green economy have a chance to win $200,000 in grant aid to boost their businesses, courtesy of the Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF) established by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Amazon.
The funds, allocated through the CGEF’s “She Sustains Accelerator Programme,” aim to support and empower innovative climate-focused startups and early-stage green businesses through education, mentorship, and financing. A total of 56 winners will be selected, with the first two cohorts each producing nineteen winners, and the third cohort contributing an additional 18 winners.
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The She Sustains Accelerator Programme, managed by Abuja-based alternative energy firm Clean Tech Hub, is open for applications until March 29th. Women-led green businesses are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity.
Ifeoma Malo, founder and CEO of Clean Tech Hub, highlighted the initiative’s goal of promoting gender-responsive climate innovation and empowering female entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change while tackling critical environmental challenges in Africa and beyond. Winners will receive equity-free grants of up to $200,000, gain access to a global investor network, and enjoy long-term entrepreneurship opportunities.
The term “green economy” refers to an economic model that prioritizes sustainability and minimizes environmental impact. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass, along with energy efficiency and green infrastructure, play vital roles in fostering a green economy.
USAID underscores the importance of the Climate Gender Equity Fund in increasing access to climate finance for gender-responsive, women-led, and women-benefiting organizations addressing climate change.
The CGEF is a flagship initiative of USAID’s Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA), a $250 million program aimed at mobilizing $2.5 billion in public and private climate investments by 2030 to support climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions. With an initial commitment of $6 million from USAID and Amazon, the CGEF aims to raise at least $60 million in capital from various stakeholders.
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Amazon’s commitment to investing $50 million in women-led and women-founded climate technology companies aligns with its Climate Pledge Fund’s Female Founder Initiative, supporting its net-zero carbon goals.
This grant opportunity reflects a concerted effort to empower women in the green economy, fostering innovation and sustainability while addressing climate change challenges on a global scale