Tech

Bio-Logical raises $1.3m to build climate resilience for Kenyan farmers

Published

4 months ago

July 20, 2024

Climate-tech company, Bio-Logical, has announced raising $1.3 million to build the climate resilience of Kenyan smallholder farmers.

The Nairobi-based firm which is a leading biochar carbon removal company in Kenya said the investment would expand their Mt. Kenya biochar facility to meet the increasing demand for carbon removal and support climate resilience for Kenyan smallholder farmers.

Co-CEO of Bio-Logical, Philip Hunter, in a statement, said the funding will enable the company to increase its carbon removal and fertiliser production capacity to become one of the largest biochar producers in the world, thereby boosting crop yields and climate resilience for thousands of smallholder farmers.

“Smallholder farmers, who are some of the worst affected people on earth when it comes to climate change, are currently suffering at the hands of a climate crisis they have played no part in,” Hunter said.

“At Bio-Logical, we use carbon removals to not only sequester carbon but also develop affordable soil regenerating fertiliser which boosts yields and improves the climate resilience of smallholder farmers throughout Kenya.”

The funding round, according to him, was led by a group of high net worths and other investors including CrossBoundary, Redshaw Advisors and existing investors the Steyn Group.

“This investment supports Bio-Logical’s goal of increasing its carbon removal capacity to 100,000 tonnes of CO2 annually over the next 18 months, with plans to establish three additional sites across Kenya.

“This funding round will play a pivotal role in scaling up our Mt.Kenya facility and building a tonnes blueprint for scale as we roll out three new sites throughout Kenya over the next 18 months,” Hunter added.

Related Topics:Bio-Logical Farmers Featured Funding Kenya

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Tech

AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

Published

17 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

Tech

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.