Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) Program 2025 Africa’s CDR Startups

Mercy Awofiranye

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The Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) 2025 is now open! Supporting early-stage startups in Sub-Saharan Africa to develop science-backed carbon removal solutions. Apply below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is February 24, 2025.

Tell Me About The Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) Program:

The Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) is a six-month accelerator program designed to support early-stage startups in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) across Sub-Saharan Africa. The program aims to empower bold entrepreneurs who are developing sound, science-backed solutions for carbon removal. Participants will gain access to a CDR-focused community, technical knowledge, expert mentorship, and industry connections while benefiting from the latest research on CDR technologies for Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

The program is specifically open to startups working in carbon dioxide removal (CDR), including but not limited to:

  • Direct air capture
  • Biochar and biomass carbon removal
  • Enhanced weathering and mineralization
  • Soil carbon sequestration
  • Blue carbon and ocean-based CDR solutions

Type:

Accelerator Program 

Who can Apply for the Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) Program?

Also, to be eligible for the program, applicants must:

  • Be an early-stage startup focused on carbon removal (CDR).
  • Be based in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Be planning to or have already founded the company.
  • Ensure CDR is central to their business model.
  • Develop scientifically sound solutions, not hype-based projects.
  • Commit to being active members of the CDR ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Maintain majority ownership of the company as founders.

How are Applicants Selected?

Applicants will be selected based on:

  • Relevance to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) – CDR must be a core part of the company’s mission.
  • Scientific credibility – Solutions must be grounded in research and real-world applications.
  • Commitment to the ecosystem – Startups must demonstrate engagement in the African CDR space.
  • Stage of development – Early-stage startups with strong potential for impact will be prioritized.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The following countries are eligible:

  • West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. 
  • Central Africa: Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. 
  • East Africa: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 
  • Southern Africa: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa.

Where will the Award be Taken?

Virtual 

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) Program?

Additionally, Participants in the Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) will gain:

  • Access to CDR-focused experts and world-class mentorship.
  • Connections to leading CDR buyers, verification bodies, tech and policy stakeholders.
  • In-depth knowledge of the latest CDR technologies and market insights.
  • A global CDR network tailored to the Sub-Saharan African context.
  • Participation in research-backed discussions and innovation-driven collaborations.
  • Exposure and visibility within the international carbon removal ecosystem.

Note: There is no direct funding for startups as part of this accelerator program.

How Long Will the Award Last?

6 months (April to September)

How to Apply:

Visit the official application webpage to begin.

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.

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