Explores how Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America are emerging as innovation leaders in cleantech. Highlights the importance of South-South collaboration and what governments, startups, and institutions can do to accelerate the transition.
The cleantech revolution is no longer being led solely by the West. The Global South—specifically Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America—is rising with its own wave of climate innovation. From affordable solar solutions to resilient urban farming models, local startups are creating solutions that match their context and have global potential. The shift is bold, necessary, and already underway.
A Different Kind of Innovation
Unlike traditional tech startups chasing luxury convenience, cleantech innovators in the Global South often start with survival: access to clean water, affordable energy, waste management, and food security. These are not fringe problems—they are central to a livable future. What makes them powerful is that they also pioneer low-cost, high-impact solutions that are scalable and replicable globally.
Why South-South Collaboration is Key
We believe the future lies in building bridges between similar contexts. South-South partnerships between Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Chile, or Indonesia allow for knowledge-sharing, co-funding, and localized innovation. Instead of adopting models built for New York or Berlin, startups in Africa or the Arab world can co-create models that reflect shared realities.
Why South-South Collaboration is Key
We believe the future lies in building bridges between similar contexts. South-South partnerships between Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Chile, or Indonesia allow for knowledge-sharing, co-funding, and localized innovation. Instead of adopting models built for New York or Berlin, startups in Africa or the Arab world can co-create models that reflect shared realities.
Programs like Climovation, ClimateLaunchpad Morocco, and the Cleantech Innovate Forum are built around this principle: to connect the ecosystems of the Global South and facilitate innovation without the dependency mindset.
The Role of Governments and Institutions
- Fund cross-border innovation accelerators.
- Develop joint research programs with universities across the Global South.
- Create innovation sandboxes for cleantech in special economic zones.
- Facilitate market access between African and Arab countries.
- Support diaspora investors who want to bring know-how and capital back home.
For Startups: Seize the Moment
If you’re building in Africa or the MENA region, now is the time to connect beyond borders. Find partners in the South, pitch to regional funds, and expand beyond your home market. The Global South is not just catching up—it’s moving differently, and sometimes faster.
