The Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance is a multi-year initiative designed to accelerate climate solutions and expand inclusive finance for microenterprises across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It supports early-stage climate enterprises \u2014 especially those delivering clean energy, electric mobility, and emission-reducing technologies \u2014 with funding, technical assistance, and access to finance partners.<\/p>\n
Applications are now open for the second cohort of the programme, inviting startups and SMEs that are ready to scale climate-focused solutions for microentrepreneurs.<\/p>\n
What the ClimaFii Alliance Offers (Benefits)<\/p>\n
Selected businesses benefit from a package of support that can significantly strengthen early-stage climate ventures:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcb0 Catalytic Funding<\/p>\n
Participants receive $45,000\u2013$70,000+ in milestone-based capital designed to help refine business models, test products, deploy technology, and prepare for scaling.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd27 Tailored Venture Support<\/p>\n
Hands-on guidance in:<\/p>\n
Product refinement and go-to-market strategy
\nPricing and unit economics
\nOperational systems and growth planning
\nInvestment-readiness preparation and pitch support<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcb3 Finance & Credit Pilots<\/p>\n
Through partnerships with financial service providers (FSPs), the programme helps design affordable finance products \u2014 such as mesh financing or embedded credit \u2014 that enable microentrepreneurs to afford clean energy and mobility technologies.<\/p>\n
\ud83e\udd1d Access to Investors & Market Linkages<\/p>\n
ClimaFii connects founders with networks of institutional investors, financiers, and partners to support follow-on capital and broader commercial expansion.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf0d Technical Ecosystem & Knowledge Sharing<\/p>\n
Participants join an ecosystem of climate-tech innovators, fostering collaboration, user research, and insights that help tailor solutions to real world microenterprise needs.<\/p>\n
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)<\/p>\n
ClimaFii is looking for startups and SMEs that:<\/p>\n
Are registered and active in Sub-Saharan Africa (with one co-founder based in the region).
\nOffer clean energy, electric mobility, or product technologies that improve the productivity and resilience of microentrepreneurs.
\nHave a minimum viable product (MVP) in the market or proven usage by micro, small, or medium enterprises.
\nShow potential to reach at least ~2,000 microentrepreneur customers within the first year of the programme.
\nAre ready to engage with financing channels and partnerships that make climate solutions affordable to smaller businesses.<\/p>\n
Women-led or women-impacting businesses are encouraged to apply.<\/p>\n
Focus Areas & Eligible Solutions<\/p>\n
ClimaFii targets climate innovations that deliver practical impact for smaller enterprises, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n
Clean energy systems and distributed renewable energy (solar, biogas, shared power)
\nProductive energy solutions (mills, cold-chain, post-harvest tools)
\nElectric mobility and logistics for small transport operators
\nWaste-to-energy and circular solutions
\nFintech platforms that improve affordability and financial access for climate products
\nNature-positive IoT or ecological solutions linked to climate-resilient livelihoods<\/p>\n
Application Deadline & How to Apply<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5 Applications open: 10 December 2025
\ud83d\udcc5 Deadline: 16 January 2026<\/p>\n