African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge (YouthADAPT)

The African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge (YouthADAPT) is jointly organised by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Climate Investment Funds (CIF) under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP). The annual competition supports youth-led enterprises (50% women-led mandate) developing climate change adaptation and resilience solutions across Africa. Winners receive up to USD 100,000 grant each and a 12-month accelerator programme with business support, mentorship, and acceleration. The 2026 fourth cycle is being redesigned with blended financing approaches following the February 2026 stakeholder consultation. To date, the programme has supported 39 enterprises across 20 African countries (2021-2025), creating ~11,000 jobs, with 63% women-owned.

Up to USD 100,000 grant per winner, 12-month business support and acceleration programme, mentorship, training, coaching for climate adaptation innovation, and (from 2026) linkages with domestic debt and equity funders via Innovation Deal Rooms.

Youth-led enterprise (typically 18-35) legally registered in Africa, with profitable operations for at least 2 years, demonstrating direct climate adaptation impact. 50% of supported enterprises must be women-led (51%+ female shareholding for women track).