Photo courtesy pexel
Locally driven adaptation enterprises in Kenya and Uganda are set to benefit from a newly approved project that will unlock finance and growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women and youth.
The Adaptation Fund Board has endorsed the initiative titled “Unlocking Investments in Gender and Youth Inclusive Early Growth Stage Adaptation Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kenya and Uganda”, developed by UNIDO Climate Tech Innovation in collaboration with adelphi, Kenya Climate Ventures (KCV), and Finding XY.
Kenya Climate Ventures will serve as the national project partner in Kenya, while Finding XY will lead implementation in Uganda, working under the guidance of the respective national governments.
The project marks a major step toward strengthening community resilience through enterprise-led solutions that respond to the impacts of climate change.
Catalyzing Climate Adaptation Finance in East Africa
The newly approved initiative addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the adaptation ecosystem: limited financing and tailored support for early growth-stage enterprises developing solutions for climate adaptation.
By establishing a catalytic financing facility and blended finance mechanisms, the project aims to help these enterprises scale their innovations while attracting private sector investment into the adaptation space.
“This approval represents a significant step toward strengthening Africa’s adaptation ecosystem by unlocking capital for locally led gender and youth-inclusive enterprises,” said Victor Ndiege, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Climate Ventures.
It will also establish a Regional Coordination Platform for Adaptation Entrepreneurship to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation between Kenya and Uganda.
The platform will connect policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs, creating a strong pipeline of investable, impact-driven businesses that advance regional resilience.
Proven Partnership and Shared Vision
KCV’s participation in this regional project reinforces its leadership in climate-smart investment and enterprise support in Kenya.
Since its inception, the organization has worked to de-risk early and growth-stage businesses by providing patient, tailored capital that helps them gain market traction and attract follow-on investment.
Under this new initiative, KCV will leverage its expertise to identify, finance, and scale promising adaptation-focused SMEs, particularly those led by women and youth.
Focus areas will include climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, water management, and waste and circular economy solutions.
Alois Mhlanga, Director, Division of Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol at UNIDO, added;
“Through this project, we aim to demonstrate how innovative financing and strong partnerships can empower adaptation SMEs to deliver tangible impact for vulnerable communities. Kenya and Uganda have shown tremendous potential for locally rooted adaptation entrepreneurship.”
Looking Ahead
The project’s approval marks the start of an ambitious effort to redefine how adaptation finance is mobilized and deployed across Africa.
As the national partner, Kenya Climate Ventures will play a central role in identifying and nurturing a new generation of enterprises that are developing practical solutions to climate risks from sustainable food systems and water efficiency to renewable energy and green manufacturing.
By combining investment with technical assistance and market linkage support, the initiative will enable enterprises to scale sustainably, reach underserved markets, and strengthen community resilience against climate change impacts.
The collaboration also supports Kenya’s national climate priorities, including the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the country’s commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
About Kenya Climate Ventures Kenya Climate Ventures (KCV)
Kenya Climate Ventures Kenya Climate Ventures (KCV) is a licensed specialized climate fund manager and climate impact investor, de-risking early – and growth-stage, gender-inclusive climate-smart enterprises.
Established to bridge the financing and capacity gaps for businesses addressing climate change, KCV provides patient, tailored capital and business growth support to help enterprises gain market traction, attract follow-on investment, and deliver sustainable impact.
