12 Aug 2025
Our Kenya Connect event last month in Nairobi was a celebration of ambitious African climate leadership and a clear reflection of the continent’s growing role in shaping global climate solutions.
We were especially pleased to be joined by Samantha Maasdorp, Acting CEO of CAP-A, one of our Official Nominators and a key advocate for Africa’s green transition. CAP-A plays a critical role in identifying, supporting, and scaling the kinds of bold, locally led innovations that The Earthshot Prize exists to champion.
In the guest blog below, Samantha shares her perspective on Africa’s opportunity to lead a new model of green industrialisation. One that tackles climate change and drives inclusive economic growth.
Her insights are a vital contribution to the conversation about how urgent optimism can power transformative solutions across the continent.
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Africa suffers some of the worst consequences of climate change, despite having contributed the least to causing it – a well-known and much-talked-about reality. Less widely appreciated is Africa’s potentially central contribution to averting climate change, and the ways in which embracing climate action as an organising principle could drive economic transformation and sustained prosperity for the continent and its people.
The continent is well-positioned to green global manufacturing and supply chains. It has the biggest untapped renewable energy potential, the world’s youngest workforce, and low-emitting infrastructure. With economic growth driven by climate action i.e. Climate Positive Growth, African countries can address energy poverty, strengthen stability, reduce conflict and migration, and secure dignified livelihoods.
Africa has a big role to play in a climate-smart global economy. The energy transition is impossible without African power, resources, and minerals.
New dynamics in energy security and trade create a window of opportunity for Africa’s transformation and global climate action. African voices and innovations must shape climate debates and unlock opportunities to lift Africa to middle income status and beyond.
Earthshot Prize Finalist, Roam, builds electric motorcycles and buses tailored to the African market.
Roam is bringing affordable, electric transport to one of the world’s fastest growing regions.
Africa’s green industrialisation journey is not just about scaling renewable energy or decarbonising supply chains, it is about catalysing inclusive, locally rooted innovation ecosystems that deliver health, livelihoods, and resilience alongside climate benefits.
African innovators are already showing what’s possible across multiple sectors like:
What’s often missing is patient capital and fair access to global markets.
Earthshot Prize Finalist, Sanergy, has the largest organic waste recycling factory in East Africa
Earthshot Prize Finalist, Sanergy, converts organic waste into agricultural products for local farmers
CAP-A is a pan-African organisation working to unlock Africa’s potential as a global hub for climate action, underpinned by a new climate-smart model of economic growth and inclusive livelihoods. It is dedicated to supporting and scaling local climate innovations that have the potential to power Africa’s green industrialisation and climate resilience.
By connecting innovators with funders, policymakers, and global partners, CAP-A helps unlock the market opportunities necessary for solutions to thrive.
Our approach focuses on:
Through partnerships with governments, investors, and the private sector, CAP-A works to build ecosystems where innovations can scale sustainably and equitably.
We advocate for carbon and climate finance mechanisms that deliver patient capital, strengthen business cases, and ensure that African solutions are prioritised in global climate strategies.
Africa stands at a critical juncture. The continent’s vast renewable resources, youthful population, and innovative spirit can drive a green industrial revolution that benefits both Africa and the world.
With organisations like CAP-A championing African-led climate solutions, we have the tools and partnerships to turn potential into action.
The time is now for urgent optimism and bold collaboration to shape a future where Africa leads the way to a resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart global economy.
