Startup Discovery Africa (SDA) has launched the second cohort of its Venture Studio programme, bringing together 10 startups from Ghana and Nigeria. These startups will develop innovative solutions aimed at tackling climate and economic challenges across West Africa. The programme operates under the theme, ‘Scaling Innovation for a Just and Sustainable African Future’.
A coalition of partners supports the initiative. These partners include the Autodesk Foundation, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Australian Aid, Sahara Impact Ventures, and Startup Discovery Global. The programme seeks to accelerate high-impact ventures. These ventures will address systemic climate pressures while building commercially viable businesses.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic narrative of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Agriculture, a cornerstone of West Africa’s economy, contributes nearly 21 percent to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It employs over one-third of the country's workforce. Practical innovation is crucial for strengthening the sector’s resilience and ensuring sustainable growth. Addressing the estimated US$40 billion financing gap affecting women entrepreneurs is also a key focus.
Natasha Dadzie, Programme Manager for Startup Discovery Africa, outlined the strategic vision during the launch. She highlighted the importance of supporting women and young innovators. The goal is to scale businesses capable of generating significant economic and social impact. Berenice Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, underscored the importance of innovation in responding to regional challenges.
The selected startups focus on various climate-related solutions. These include agritech, clean energy, circular economy, and sustainable manufacturing. Ghanaian startups include Dercol Bags, which develops eco-friendly agricultural machinery. Foovante Global builds a platform for verifying emissions reductions in carbon markets. AppCyclers uses artificial intelligence to digitise waste collection. Other Ghanaian ventures are LBH, Kodu Technology, and AgrimerCarb.
Nigerian startups also feature prominently in the cohort. Manamuz Electric Ltd. integrates solar-powered cold storage and electric logistics for agriculture. Miönia Technologies develops climate-resilient battery systems. Heabron Farm Limited uses agricultural data for credit scoring. Bridge Merchant Enterprise connects farmers, buyers, and rural agents to reduce post-harvest losses.
These ventures will receive tailored mentorship, technical support, and access to corporate networks. They will also gain investor connections. Startup Discovery Africa designed the Venture Studio programme to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation. This enables entrepreneurs to develop solutions for critical economic and environmental challenges. Ultimately, this aims to create sustainable enterprises.
Decision-makers and markets will watch for the successful implementation and scaling of these innovations. This programme could attract more investment into early-stage African startups. It also further positions the region as a hub for climate-focused solutions. The long-term impact on employment and economic diversification will be a key indicator of its success.