With close collaboration & commitment against climate change
In West Africa, the CATAL1.5°T Initiative is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with EIT Climate-KIC and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P). Among other things, they work with local partners to support CATAL1.5°T’s accelerator programme start-ups – even before they are selected. In an interview, Barbara Adoléhoumé from I&P gave us some insights directly from the West African ecosystem.
Let’s start with a short introduction: What is your role at CATAL1.5°T?
I am Barbara Adoléhoumé, and I am based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. I work for Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), a CATAL1.5°T implementation partner, and I am the CATAL1.5°T Programme Manager for I&P for the West Africa activities, mainly on the acceleration programme.
What does Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) contribute to the CATAL1.5°T acceleration programme, why are they the perfect partner?
I&P is the lead on the acceleration programme in West Africa: Together with our partners, we are responsible for the selection process of 30 SMEs and start-ups that will be chosen for the acceleration programme. Thanks to our partner funds in the countries, such as Sinergi Burkina, Comoé Capital, and Teranga Capital, we can maintain close contact with the SMEs and start-ups and conduct high-quality, localized due diligence. Each company will be visited at least once before selection and will have recurrent exchanges with the team. Even before they are chosen, I&P and its partners will provide deep support to the SMEs and start-ups in terms of ESG aspects, business plan support, and more.
I&P and its partner funds already have experience with acceleration programmes of this type. CATAL1.5°T is a real opportunity for us to address the challenge of climate change by supporting climate SMEs and start-ups through financial and technical assistance.
What was your highlight during the accelerator programme so far?
Working closely with entrepreneurs is truly rewarding. We meet passionate entrepreneurs who share common values and are all committed to effectively fighting climate change. On top of that, they include social and environmental aspects into their strategy and activities. By providing financial and technical support, we help their cause, while we also gain significant insights from these businesses.
How would you describe the impactful solutions addressing climate challenges involved in the accelerator programme?
One of the ventures pre-selected into the programme is RECYCLING, a venture in Togo that offers granulates made from recycled plastics rather than raw/virgin plastic. This reduces the amount of waste in landfills, but also conserves resources and decreases the environmental impact of plastic production. While several players in this sector are trying to emerge, RECYCLING has really succeeded in standing out to its customers through irreproachable quality. Today, the venture is already working with major Togolese companies with limited resources but needs the CATAL1.5°T support to meet the growing demand and to include solar tools in their production process. RECYCLING’s approaches answer an escalating challenge in West Africa, which is the mismanagement of plastic waste, causing health and pollution issues for the population but also for marine ecosystem in coastal areas.
What other support structures are needed to scale up climate change solutions?
Other than SME and start-up support, specialized structures focused on climate aspects that can train ESOs like incubators and accelerators are needed. They are closest to the entrepreneurs and offer them direct support, thus being essential for scaling up climate change solutions. That is why Climate-KIC, another implanting partner of CATAL1.5°T, plays such an important role in the Initiative.
How have other stakeholders (ESOs, investors and policymakers) responded to these unique climate change solutions, especially in the sub-region?
In Côte d’Ivoire, some ecosystem actors like Green Invest Africa and Green-Cluster of SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire have responded positively. They have been invited to the CATAL1.5°T launch in Côte d’Ivoire and were very keen to be part of the CATAL1.5°T Initiative by spreading the word to reach green ventures in their country.
In Togo, we also met with the Synergie des Acteurs des Energies Renouvelables (SAER). They can promote the Initiative and suggest promising companies to apply to the various CATAL1.5°T programmes.
How do you ensure gender inclusivity in climate change efforts? What challenges have you faced in leading this initiative, and how have you overcome them?
At I&P, we have an Environmental & Social (E&S) and Gender Expert working exclusively on CATAL1.5°T who supports seed teams who are in direct contact with the entrepreneurs, as well as the entrepreneurs themselves. During the selection process, we make sure to have the E&S and Gender Expert present for each committee and make sure that gender is an important part of the scoring. Having local teams for almost each country is another real asset to adapt to each context.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work on climate change?
Living in a country and region where the effects of climate change are already affecting the most vulnerable populations on a daily basis can sometimes be discouraging. This is why taking part in this Initiative is a real source of both professional and personal pride. Innovative SMEs and start-ups can play an important role in climate action if they receive the right support, enabling them to scale, test their products, and connect with larger investors across the continent.
What advice would you give to other women interested in working in climate change?
I encourage women to maintain a long-term vision when addressing climate challenges. Their unique experiences, especially in developing countries where they are disproportionately affected by climate change, can inspire solutions that resonate with millions. Women have the opportunity to lead in developing innovative approaches that create lasting impacts in their communities.
Additionally, cultivating curiosity about climate tech and STEM fields is essential. As traditionally male-dominated sectors like engineering and finance are crucial for climate action, gender-diverse teams enhance creativity and problem-solving. Beyond scientific knowledge, developing skills in data analysis, communication strategies, and financial models is vital. The good news is that we need all kinds of profiles!
Image Rights
© Khoudou Dago