Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, minister of environment of Tanzania, awards Green Makers Solution the first prize of 6.000.000,00 Tanzanian Shilling to continue to develop their company.

Tanzania has launched a new ambitious climate change programme, the Adaptation Innovation Cluster, to expedite the country's adaptation to climate change.

The new initiative focuses on supporting locally-produced climate adaptation solutions, with the goal of creating an enabling environment in Tanzania that promotes green innovation, thus boosting the growth of new green start-ups, employment, and investment.

Tanzania's Adaptation Innovation Cluster is supported by EIT Climate-KIC, a knowledge and innovation community working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future.

It is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland (Irish Aid).

EIT Climate-KIC and Anza, a non-profit organisation, organised the recent climate innovation networking event in the east African country, which resulted in the inauguration of the Adaptation Innovation Cluster in Tanzania.

Investors entrepreneurs, innovators, experts, and policymakers, including Dr Selemani Saidi Jafo, Tanzania's Minister of Environment,

"Ireland is delighted to partner with EIT Climate-KIC as part of our broader focus on supporting local action to find sustainable solutions to the climate crisis – and in particular empowering women and girls to be at the heart of these solutions," said Nancy Kataraihya, programme officer, Embassy of Ireland.

She added: “We are in the vanguard of efforts to assist those countries and people that bear the least responsibility for climate change in adapting and accessing financing, including here in Tanzania, where a key focus is on sustainable livelihoods for rural and coastal populations."

"In today's interconnected world, tackling the complex issue of climate change requires more than isolated efforts; it calls for unified action," said Sophie White, project lead,EIT Climate-KIC.

“We are at a crossroads where traditional barriers between rural communities, innovators, government, and the business sector must be addressed in order to create comprehensive solutions."

Ayoub Derdabi, senior manager, Adaptation Innovation,EIT Climate-KIC, said: "We must ensure that every voice is heard, particularly those from our rural communities, who are frequently the most affected, but the least heard. These are the people who live the reality that we are all debating today. Their perspectives are not only valuable, but also necessary. That is why collaborative platforms, like the Adaptation Innovation Cluster, are critical."

Meanwhile, the event included a pitching competition, which gave entrepreneurs the chance = to secure money for their climate solutions.

Green Makers Solutions Tanzania received first place for its circular economy solution, which recycles plastic into floor paving. While the second place went to Farmtime Company Limited, which makes biofertilizers from organic waste. The third placed winner was Rihuma Aquaculture, which creates an innovative infrastructure for seaweed producers in coastal locations.