Inclusive Climate Entrepreneurship Project
Empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities to lead climate innovation and sustainable economic transformation.
Project Background
The Shinyanga Region is experiencing increasing climate challenges including prolonged droughts, deforestation, declining agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and water scarcity.
These challenges disproportionately affect women, young people, and persons with disabilities, limiting economic opportunities and increasing vulnerability.
Through this project, YAWE is creating opportunities for marginalized groups to become climate entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders of sustainable community solutions.
Climate Challenges in Shinyanga
Over the last four decades, Shinyanga has become increasingly semi-arid, resulting in lower agricultural productivity and growing food insecurity.
Approximately 28% of children under five suffer from malnutrition, while women and girls spend increasing amounts of time collecting water, reducing opportunities for education and income generation.
Deforestation continues to threaten ecosystems, with significant tree cover loss contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
Young climate innovators often struggle to access financing, mentorship, markets, and business support needed to scale their ideas.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Core
The project integrates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles throughout all activities. This ensures climate action not only protects the environment but also addresses social and economic inequalities by amplifying voices that are often excluded from climate decision-making processes.
Key Objectives
Build Capacity
Train and mentor youth, women, and marginalized groups in climate entrepreneurship, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-innovation.
Foster Innovation
Provide grants and establish innovation hubs that support climate-resilient technologies and green enterprises.
Strengthen Networks
Connect entrepreneurs with government institutions, private sector actors, investors, and community leaders.
Promote Climate Justice
Ensure equity, inclusion, and climate justice are embedded in every project activity and partnership.
Expected Outcomes
50+
Underrepresented entrepreneurs supported
✔
Climate innovation hubs established
↑
Market access for climate-smart products
5+
Public-private partnerships created
Long-Term Impact
YAWE envisions a sustainable climate innovation ecosystem that is inclusive, community-driven, and responsive to local challenges. Through entrepreneurship, partnerships, advocacy, and capacity building, this project contributes to climate resilience, green jobs, economic empowerment, and long-term systemic change across Tanzania.