The African Development Bank Group recently concluded a consultative workshop aimed at enhancing youth-led climate solutions under its YouthADAPT program. The workshop, which took place from February 24-25, 2026, convened a diverse group of stakeholders including business leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss strategies for the upcoming fourth Cycle of the program. Participants reviewed the experiences and lessons learned from the first three cycles, which provided insights into the effectiveness of current approaches.

One main theme emerged from the discussions: the necessity to move beyond traditional methods of funding and to consider more sustainable financial models for early-stage climate enterprises led by youth. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of strengthening support mechanisms following grant awards and creating better connections between innovative climate startups and potential investors. The shared objective is to foster an ecosystem where youth-owned businesses can thrive, contributing significantly to climate adaptation efforts across Africa.

YouthADAPT represents a flagship initiative by the African Development Bank, funded by the Youth Entrepreneurship Multi-Donor Trust Fund (YEI MDTF) and the Africa Climate Fund, which focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs to generate innovative solutions to climate challenges. The outcomes of this workshop are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the program and enhancing its impact on climate resilience in the region.