Catalyzing Carbon Removal in Africa

In order to avoid the worst outcomes of climate change, emissions of greenhouse gases, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2), need to be reduced as much as possible. Limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest. However, even with great emission avoidance and reduction efforts, there still are emissions, for instance from agriculture or industrial processes, which are extremely hard and expensive to mitigate. To compensate for these, we need to actively reduce atmospheric levels of CO2 to achieve Net Zero or potentially even realize Net Negative emissions.

The process to do this is called Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and encompasses a range of solutions through which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and sequestered safely for long periods of time.

This is where CDR differs from emission avoidance. While avoiding emissions prevents CO2 from enterering into the atmosphere in the first place, CDR removes existing atmospheric CO2 and stores it durably.

Yes, we would love to hear from you. However, please make note that the same logic applies: You are only eligible if you work on removal of greenhouse gases, not on their reduction or avoidance.

The ACRA program purely focuses on carbon removal; CDR needs to be front and center of your solution and company.

We appreciate your work on avoidance and reduction efforts. However, you will need to look for other programs for support as this program would not be a fit for you.

You are eligible to apply if:

1. CDR is front and center to the company you are building

2. You are developing sound solutions grounded in science, not hype

3. You want to be an active part of the CDR ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa

4. You are planning to or have already founded the company and are located in Sub-Saharan Africa

5. You, as founders, (will) own the majority of your company

The ACRA program will run in English.

The default for the ACRA program activities is virtual; however, we will offer opportunities for in-person events throughout the program when it is helpful for the ecosystem.

In order to benefit fully from the program, participants would need a stable internet connection that can account for live and interactive video sessions during the program.

You are eligible to apply if your startup is based in one of the following countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, as defined by The World Bank:

1. Angola

2. Benin

3. Botswana

4. Burkina Faso

5. Burundi

6. Cabo Verde

7. Cameroon

8. Central African Republic

9. Chad

10. Comoros

11. Côte d'Ivoire

12. Congo, Republic

13. Congo, Republic Democratic

14. Equatorial Guinea

15. Eritrea

16. Eswatini

17. Ethiopia

18. Gabon

19. Gambia

20. Ghana

21. Guinea

22. Guinea-Bissau

23. Kenya

24. Lesotho

25. Liberia

26. Madagascar

27. Malawi

28. Mali

29. Mauritania

30. Mauritius

31. Mozambique

32. Namibia

33. Niger

34. Nigeria

35. Rwanda

36. Sao Tome and Principe

37. Senegal

38. Seychelles

39. Sierra Leone

40. Somalia

41. South Africa

42. South Sudan

43. Sudan

44. Tanzania

45. Togo

46. Uganda

47. Zambia

48. Zimbabwe

Source list

No, there will not be any funding for the startups as part of the accelerator program.

To make the most of this program, we recommend that participants have:

• Stable internet connection: A reliable internet connection is crucial for attending live sessions and accessing online materials.

• A webcam and microphone: These will allow you to participate in live sessions and interact with your peers and instructors.

• A compatible device: A laptop or desktop computer is recommended for optimal performance. You may also use a tablet or smartphone, but please be aware that the experience may be limited.

By meeting these technical requirements, you can maximize your learning experience and fully participate in all aspects of the program.