Innovation in the energy sector in the spotlight at the Africa Climate Week (ACW)

During the Eastern African stage of EDF Pulse Tour, which took place the 6th and 7th of September 2023 during the Africa Climate Week, EDF (in collaboration with Africarena) , showcased its strong emphasis on fostering innovation to address the unique environmental and social challenges faced by African nations. 2 candidates stood out among the 28 shortlisted start-ups, demonstrating the diversity of the Eastern African entrepreneurial and Start-Up ecosystem, which is among the most dynamic on the continent.

The entrepreneurs presented and defended their innovations in front of a distinguished jury of regional experts, composed of Christ Anderson AHOUA-BOUA, Head of Communications of EDF Africa, Dennis KEYA, Country Manager of EDF Kenya, Vere SHABA, Founder & Director of ESG, Climate & Sustainability of Green Design Africa, Jérôme GUIDIDJAGO, Head of Innovation of BBox Kenya and Javier LINARES, Senior Venture Builder of Catalyst Fund.

At the end of this Eastern African stage, the jury finally awarded two prizes (a first prize, a "special prize for innovation in climate change solutions") to two Kenyan entrepreneurs in presence of Mr Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya and Somalia.

The first prize was awarded to the start-up Knights and Apps

This company is designing renewable energy solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential applications that enable individuals and organizations to be part of a sustainable green energy powered world.

More information about Knights & Apps' activities

The jury's special prize for innovation in climate change solutions was awarded to the start-up Octavia Carbon

The company aims to build and deploys Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) machines in Kenya. They are planning to make Kenya the world's most cost-effective place to permanently remove CO₂ from the atmosphere by 2025.

More information about Octavia Carbon's activities

These 2 winners will be able to win up to €20,000, and join the EDF Pulse Africa Accelerator, an acceleration program bringing together players committed to accompanying and supporting the growth of African "nuggets" in the field of energy access. This initiative is a continuation of the EDF Pulse awards. Launched in 2012, these awards have fostered the emergence and support of 1,500 innovative projects in France, the UK and Italy, as part of EDF's strategy to identify potential partners, develop its own ecosystem and give visibility to young innovative African structures, in order to gain agility and respond more appropriately to market needs.

These innovations aim to drive sustainable development while mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing Africa’s overall adaptability to a changing climate. Many companies and organizations work together to promote and fund these initiatives, aiming to create a greener and more sustainable future for the continent.