How Green Tech Innovators Are Changing the Game in Africa

On Thin Ice

Can Africa become the next innovation hub for climate tech?

From solar power to recycled materials and carbon capture, an array of technological advances are promising to help humanity live more sustainably–and fight global warming. But for now, much of that tech is still out of reach for most people in the Global South.

In Africa, some pioneering entrepreneurs and advocates are trying to change that: in this episode of On Thin Ice, host Paolo Bosonin speaks with climate entrepreneur Bilha Ndirangu and alpinist Saray Khumalo, who share their strategies for making Africa a global climate innovation hub.

Saray, who is credited with breaking several records, including becoming the first Black woman to complete the so-called Seven Summits, climbs and guides groups to raise money to bring a better education to children across the continent.

Bilha is known for leading several climate related projects in Africa, and she recently announced an ambitious partnership with ClimeWorks of Switzerland to build a massive carbon capture facility.

So what’s at stake for a continent that emits a small percentage of global emissions, and yet faces direct consequences of climate change, such as droughts, natural disasters, and the disappearance of glaciers?

Bilha and Saray say the solutions lie in Africa’s young population, in its rich natural resources, and fast-growing economies.

On Thin Ice is produced by Iceworm Media, in partnership with the Bally Peak Outlook Foundation. Head to ballypeakoutlook.org/ to learn more about the foundation's mission to safeguard the world's most fragile mountain habitats from the adverse effects of global warming and excessive tourism.

Production credits:

Script editor and editorial advisor: Dave Vetter

Video and audio editor: Canyon James Coleman-Mcdowall

Original music: Nadir Cassim

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