IN efforts aimed to hasten the country’s adaptation to climate change, SmartLab and Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading innovation agency, have partnered to launch the second edition of the Adaptation and Resilience-ClimAccelerator programme.

ClimAccelerator is a global programme for start-ups to innovate, catalyse and scale the potential of their climate solutions. In Tanzania, the initiative aims to support innovative, high impact climate adaptation solutions that help rural populations cope with current or future climate risks.

Addressing reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Larry Ayo, business director at SmartLab said a total of euros 40,000 (122m/-) have been set aside to support a total of 10 start-ups in the announced phase.

“SmartLab joins as the implementation partner of the ClimAccelerator programme to foster innovation and entrepreneurial solutions by offering extensive training, mentorship, and resources to Tanzanian start-ups that develop solutions that help rural communities cope with the effects of climate change challenges,” he said.

 He said: “Our partnership with Climate-KIC is a crucial step toward bridging the skills and innovation gaps in climate adaptation and resilience solutions. By fostering entrepreneurship and supporting innovative businesses, we aim to drive impactful climate adaptation efforts, especially in rural communities where these solutions are needed the most.”

Ayo said the programme will not only empower the start-ups but also ensure the innovations remain both profitable and sustainable, ultimately strengthening resilience at the grassroots level.

“The programme will unlock the potential of Tanzanian entrepreneurs to scale their climate solutions across the region. We encourage all climate innovators to participate in this impact-driven initiative,” he said.

Sophie White, Climate-KIC senior programme manager-innovation and emerging markets said the ClimAccelerator is part of the Adaptation Innovation Cluster, an initiative by Climate-KIC and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland (‘Irish-Aid’).

She said the programme will focus on supporting initiatives that address the impacts of climate change, with a special emphasis on rural communities.

Climate-KIC has been active in Tanzania since 2019 through the ClimateLaunchpad business ideas competition. In 2022, Climate-KIC expanded its portfolio of climate innovation initiatives in Tanzania with the aim to enhance the climate resilience of rural communities through innovation and collaboration. Climate-KIC works with start-ups, NGOs, climate experts and accelerator partners and has supported over 300 innovators in Tanzania since 2019.

She said for the past 15 years, Climate-KIC has been working with climate innovators from all over the world, helping them build profitable and impactful businesses.

Tanzania has a vibrant local ecosystem where innovative climate solutions are emerging, and we are excited to partner with SmartLab to nurture and scale these innovations, helping them reach their full potential.”

Adaptation involves implementing strategies, actions, and solutions that help societies effectively respond to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting ecosystems.

Resilience, on the other hand, is about strengthening communities, ecosystems, and economies to withstand the impacts of climate change, ensuring they can recover swiftly and thrive amidst changing conditions.