Make-IT in Africa has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the African Continent. From supporting Green Innovation in West Africa, Smart Cities in Eastern Africa and BlueTech in Southern Africa, Make-IT in Africa has carved for itself a niche and stronghold across different verticals in the region.
As a step further in our efforts to support the ecosystem in Africa, Make-IT in Africa is now, implementing the CATAL1.5°T [ˈkætəlɪst] Initiative (Concerted Action to Accelerate Local 1.5° Technologies), with a primary focus on accelerating climate-tech innovation in Francophone West Africa. This initiative is designed to build a robust pipeline of investable startups that are not only climate-conscious but also prepared for scalable growth. Through targeted support, capacity building, and investment mobilization, Catalist aims to transform the entrepreneurial landscape, driving sustainable solutions and creating lasting impact across the region.
The Catalist Initiative is a comprehensive program designed to build a robust pipeline of climate tech startups with significant impact potential in West Africa. By supporting ventures across various stages of development, from ideation to acceleration, the initiative aims to enhance the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in climate tech.
Together with our partners, Investisseurs & Partenaires and Climate-KIC, we are committed to accelerating the impact of climate-focused ventures across the region.
Our Key Objectives:
Building a Climate Tech Pipeline: Catalist focuses on identifying and nurturing startups that have high climate impact and scaling potential. The target is to support 60 ventures, with 15k (Pre-Acceleration) and 30 ventures with up to 200k (Acceleration)
Capacity Building: The program is committed to improving the services offered by local Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and providing specialized training to venture capitalists and investors on climate and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations.
Investment Mobilization: The initiative aims to attract more venture capital, both local and international, into West African startups. This includes preparing startups for investment readiness through targeted training and mentorship.
Program Components:
Climathons: Climate-specific hackathons organized to motivate entrepreneurs and create a pipeline of climate-focused ideas. These events form teams and validate early concepts, helping participants develop a strong market understanding. Of their proposed ideas
Pre-Acceleration: A structured program designed for early-stage startups to validate their business models and acquire their first customers. This phase includes intensive training, mentorship, and market testing to ensure startups are prepared for the next level of growth.
Acceleration: A regional accelerator program that supports growth-stage startups over a three-year period. The focus is on rapidly scaling MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and increasing revenue, with the ultimate goal of making these ventures investable by other VCs.
Outcomes:
A community of climate tech entrepreneurs empowered with the skills and resources needed to scale their innovations.
Enhanced investment into climate tech ventures in West Africa, driving sustainable growth in the region.
Improved capacity of local ESOs and investors to support climate-relevant businesses.
The Catalist Initiative is more than just a funding mechanism; it's a catalyst for change, designed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy in West Africa by fostering innovation and investment in climate tech startups.
For more info on our Catalist Activities and how you can engage please visit our website: Get to know CATAL1.5°T (catalist-initiative.eco)
