Contributed image: Panelist session at the GCIP Launch in namibia

Across Africa, a growing number of businesses are stepping up to tackle the continent’s most urgent challenges—climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation. These companies aren’t simply reacting to problems; they’re reshaping what’s possible. From clean energy access to sustainable agriculture and circular waste solutions, local innovators are proving that green growth is not just necessary, but achievable and happening right now.

Rita Idehai founder of Ecobarter has built the first reverse vending machine to power recycling in Nigeria. A Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is a device that accepts recyclable materials (like plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminium cans) instead of dispensing products like a traditional vending machine. It encourages recycling by rewarding users with incentives such as cash, digital credits, or discounts. This innovation contribute significantly to a green and sustainable future by promoting responsible waste management, reducing environmental pollution, and supporting a circular economy

There’s a growing wave of African startups building climate-smart solutions across sectors—from water conservation and renewable energy to eco-friendly materials and digital tools that drive behavioural change. These solutions, however, require more than great ideas to thrive. They need visibility, support, and systems that help them grow and scale. That’s where CcHUB comes in.

For years, CcHUB has been committed to integrating sustainability into Africa’s innovation landscape—ensuring that green thinking becomes second nature in how tech is imagined, developed, and deployed. It’s more than a commitment; it’s a core strategy. By placing climate resilience and environmental sustainability at the centre of its work, CcHUB is helping to build a future where technology empowers communities without compromising the environment.

In Nigeria, CcHUB is leading the implementation of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The programme supports cleantech startups by helping them refine their business models, identify opportunities for scale, and connect with key partners. Startups working on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management are finding a solid launchpad through this initiative.

Image by CcHUB: Cohort of the GCIP Cleantech Accelerator Cohort 3

This work continues in Namibia, where CcHUB is supporting the Just Transition to the Future Namibia Innovation Challenge, also under the GCIP framework. This challenge promotes socially inclusive water and energy solutions and encourages collaboration between startups, private sector actors, and development organisations. It aims to drive a just energy transition—one that balances environmental goals with economic opportunity and social equity.

Image by CcHUB: Global Water-Energy Nexus Innovation Challenge Launch

CcHUB’s work also extends into the circular economy. In its Circular Plastic Economy Meetup, the organisation brought together industry leaders, academia, and investors to explore how plastic waste can be reimagined as a resource. The event supported the British Council’s Innovation for African Universities (IAU) Consolidation Project, helping to close the gap between academic research and real-world commercial adoption of sustainable ideas.

Now, building on this momentum, CcHUB is launching the Green & Clean Technologies Companies Database—a platform that spotlights startups and businesses across Africa that are pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. This database is more than a showcase. It is designed to unlock connections, spark collaborations, and attract the attention of investors, researchers, and ecosystem enablers who want to drive Africa’s green future forward.

To officially launch the database and open up conversations that matter, CcHUB is hosting a virtual panel discussion titled “Growing Green and Sustainable Tech in Africa” on April 9th, 2025  at 1 PM CAT | 12 PM WAT | 2 PM EAT. 

The event will feature innovators, funders, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from across the continent, all coming together to discuss how to scale Africa’s green innovation movement.

Register to attend bit.ly/Green-Sustainable-Tech 

Join the conversation and be part of the transformation.