2272 (2)

Call for Applications: $20,000 GreenMeIRETI Grant for Green Economy & Climate Action Innovators.

Call for Applications: $20,000 GreenMeIRETI Grant for Green Economy & Climate Action Innovators.

Context:

Africa urgently needs a green shift due to the complex and pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges the continent faces. A green shift refers to a transition towards sustainable practices that promote environmental protection, resource conservation, and renewable energy adoption.

The continent faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities that demand a swift and sustainable transformation:

Climate Change and Vulnerability: Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and droughts threatening food security and exacerbating poverty. A green shift can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters.

Biodiversity Conservation: Africa boasts diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife, but rampant deforestation, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching endanger these treasures. Embracing green practices can help preserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem balance, and protect endangered species.

Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies, but conventional practices contribute to soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution. Adopting agroecological methods, promoting organic farming, and investing in climate-smart technologies can ensure food security while safeguarding natural resources.

Energy Access and Efficiency: Millions of Africans lack access to electricity, relying on fossil fuels and traditional biomass for energy needs. A green shift can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, increasing energy access and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic Opportunities: The green economy presents vast opportunities for job creation and economic growth in Africa. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure, eco-tourism, and green technologies can generate employment and foster sustainable development.

Water Management: Water scarcity is a major concern across the continent, impacting agriculture, health, and sanitation. Implementing water-saving measures, improving water quality, and adopting sustainable water management practices can alleviate water stress.

Health and Pollution: Air and water pollution in African cities contribute to numerous health problems, including respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses. A green shift can reduce pollution levels, promoting better public health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

A green shift is not only necessary to address Africa's environmental challenges but also pivotal for its social and economic development. By embracing sustainable practices, Africa can protect its natural heritage, improve livelihoods, and build a resilient and prosperous future for its people.

The GreenMeIRETI Fund Call for Applications:

GREENNOV8 Abuja Hackathon for Green Economy & Climate Action Innovators.

Are you passionate about driving positive change for the planet while fostering economic growth? Do you have groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and create a sustainable future? If so, we invite you to apply for the GREENNOV8 Abuja Hackathon for Green Economy & Climate Action Innovators.

The GREENOV8 Abuja Hackathon is an exciting initiative designed to identify and support visionary individuals and teams committed to creating a greener, more sustainable world. Sponsored by the GreenMeIRETI $200,000 Green Economy Pledge Fund, it serves as part of the Green Economy and Climate Action Innovators Empowerment Program. This initiative is backed by the Hope2Green Abuja Project (GreenMeIRETI Campaign), launched as part of Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe’s 2RUHOPE Development Initiative for Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Abuja.

The maiden edition of the Hackathon was organized to commemorate this year’s International Day of Climate Action, observed globally on October 24th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action on climate change.

We are seeking passionate innovators from diverse backgrounds—entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and professionals across the FCT—who are driven to make a meaningful impact on the environment and contribute to a successful and just green transition in Africa.

We will select 2 youth-driven and 2 women-led green enterprise teams working within our priority solution areas, each receiving a $5,000 grant. Selected participants will gain access to a variety of benefits, including mentorship from industry experts, access to funding and resources, networking opportunities, and exposure to potential investors and partners. This program will provide the support and guidance needed to transform your green ideas into reality and help build a sustainable, resilient society.

  • • Individuals or teams between the ages of 18-39, from every community in the FCT with innovative solutions related to these five focal thematic green economy sectors - transport, water, energy, waste, and agriculture are encouraged to apply.
  •  
  • • Applicants must demonstrate a clear vision, the potential for sustainability, and a commitment to environmental protection and social responsibility.
  •  
  • • We welcome applications from innovators at various scales, with a preference for projects that are geared towards community-based impact or grassroots-level impact.
The GREENNOV8 Abuja Hackathon runs a social inclusion campaign which is designed to empower specifically youth-led and women-led green innovation solutions.

Ideas, solutions and innovations may touch on any of the 5 thematic sectors previously mentioned across these 20 Priority Solution Areas which include:

    • Energy Efficiency

 

    • Recycling & Waste Management (Circular Economy)

 

    • Sustainable Value-Chains & Production

 

    • Clean Air & Zero SLCPs (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants)

 

    • Biodiversity Conservation

 

    • Green Transport

 

    • Clean Energy

 

    • Wetland Protection, Ocean Conservation & Sustainable Fisheries Management.

 

    • Ecolabelling Solutions

 

    • Waste Oil Management

 

    • Waste on Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

 

    • Sustainable Agriculture & Land Management

 

    • Clean Cooking Solutions

 

    • Ecotourism

 

    • Noise Pollution

 

    • Climate Justice.

 

    • WASH Economy, Water Storage & Conservation.

 

    • Climate Literacy & Education

 

    • Climate-Smart Urban Development/ Cities

 

Join us in the journey towards a greener future! Together, we can drive transformative change and create a more sustainable world. Apply now and be a part of a community of innovators contributing towards transformative action for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Application Deadline: January 24th, 2025

To apply or find more information, please visit www.greenmeireti.org

Please Complete and Submit your application no later than the stipulated deadline.

Note: Application portal opens October 24th, 2024, and closes January 24th, 2025. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Apply Now!
macro-shot-financial-concept (1)

$200,000 GreenMeIRETI FUND LAUNCH

Senator Ireti Kingibe Launches $200,000 (USD) Green Economy & Climate Action Impact Investment Fund (Greenmeireti Fund) To Commemorate The 2023 International Youth Day.

National and local economies globally, continue to experience multiple socioeconomic shocks arising from and resulting in an exacerbation of rising costs of living, unemployment, inequality, climate-related emergencies, among other challenges that exist in our world today. We have witnessed youths consistently rise up to the occasion with monumental contributions towards global economic recovery.

Attaining socioeconomic sustainability in these times is predicated on a just green transition. With a proven track record of substantial development contributions, investing in youth-led solutions presents a viable opportunity for measurable progress.

This year’s global Youth Day observance is themed Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. With a focus on highlighting the role of young people in coming together to amplify engagement and leadership in all areas of decision making and action, especially in creating an environmentally sustainable and climate friendly world. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the UN resolution proclaiming August 12th as the International Youth Day.

The GreenMeIRETI Fund has been established in celebration and recognition of the vital and invaluable role of youths in the actualization of sustainable development.

The GreenMeIRETI (GMI) Fund is the first Green Economy & Climate Action Impact Investment Fund in the world, mobilized and sponsored by a sitting member of a National Parliament. The GreenMeIRETI Fund is a strategic response by Senator Ireti Kingibe’s 2RUHOPE Development Initiative to both the urgency for climate action in the African region, and also the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) ‘Parliaments for the Planet’ Campaign – which calls on every Parliamentary Representative across the globe to become an active champion for climate action and a just green transition.

With a pledged $200,000 (USD), the GreenMeIRETI Fund is a strategic Green Impact Investment Fund positioned to play a vital role in accelerating the transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy. The fund serves as a catalyst for green innovation and technology.

By providing financial support to youth and women-led sustainability and green growth-oriented startups and projects, it encourages the development of cutting-edge solutions to environmental problems. These innovations are expected to contribute towards the boost of more efficient renewable energy sources, sustainable agricultural practices, and advancements in waste management, among others.

Investors are increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making. By supporting green initiatives and enabling responsible investment practices., the GreenMeIRETI Fund sets an example for other investment vehicles, encouraging a shift towards more environmentally conscious and sustainable investments across the financial landscape.

The GreenMEIRETI Fund promotes job creation and economic growth. As green projects and businesses receive funding, they expand and create employment opportunities in the green economy. This, in turn, contributes to the overall economic growth and societal well-being.

With a focus on financing projects aligned with global and regional targets of the Paris Agreement and the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy, the GreenMeIRETI Fund is situated to facilitate the achievement of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and empower grassroots-based, impact-oriented MSMEs through the disbursing of Impact Investment Grants.

As a powerful tool to drive sustainable development, spur green innovation and combat climate change, the GreenMeIRETI Fund is structured to run a two-pronged impact investment track for youth-led and women-led eco-innovation solutions, providing an Impact Investment Grant of $5,000 to each selected awardee in both tracks (youth-driven and women-driven).

By mobilizing capital towards environmentally beneficial projects, this fund serves as a force for positive change, leading the way towards a greener and more resilient nation.

To apply or find more information, please click here