Launch of the fifth edition of the AFD Digital Challenge "Innovate for climate and biodiversity"

Digital innovation in support of climate and biodiversity

AFD Group continues to strengthen its support to African start-ups and digital stakeholders. The digital revolution, driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs who combine innovation, economic performance, social and environmental impact, is transforming the African continent. 

Each year, the aim of the AFD Digital Challenge is to identify these startups, highlight them, and accelerate their development. The mission of this fifth edition is to showcase digital innovation projects that contribute to the protection of the environment, the fight against global warming and/or the protection of biodiversity. 

The competition is aimed at startups, associations, and research centers on the African continent, which offer innovative solutions to reduce the carbon impact of economic activities, to promote the sustainable, participatory and civic management of natural resources, and to foster sustainable economic activity in line with environmental issues. 

Tailor-made support at stake 

The 10 winning projects will receive financial support, as well as support to accelerate their project and participate in the development of solutions protecting the climate and biodiversity. They will be supported by AFD through an "acceleration pack", a technical and financial support worth 20 000 euros.

Selection stages

• An application review phase, validating applicants' eligibility and pre-selecting 30 start-ups based on an analysis of the projects, their innovative nature, their business model, their impact, and the role of digital technology;
• An in-depth analysis phase by AFD experts of the pre-qualified projects;
• A final selection by the jury composed of AFD experts.
• Announcement of the results on June 23, 2021

Timeline: Applications can be submitted online from April 28 to May 26, 2021

Press contacts:

• AFD: Clément LAPOINTE
• INCO: Henri FLAMAND