Sustainable Entrepreneurship initiatives for a greener future: an overview of 2023

In light of the increasing and drastic consequences of human conduct on our resources and the planet, a growing number of businesses are focusing on sustainability. Innovative enterprises play a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges, but resources and support for them remain in short supply. Even when funding programmes exist, the complex web of legal regulations and the perpetually shifting conditions of environmental policy frameworks pose a variety of obstacles. Furthermore, supporting sustainable businesses does not yet attract many investors who have much expertise in the field.   

At adelphi, we are aware that the success of green entrepreneurship lies in multi-stakeholder collaboration that involves and promotes smaller enterprises at the base of our global economy and which are on the frontline of building green, inclusive and climate-resilient communities. In various projects, adelphi researches the needs and impact of these smaller enterprises, providing recommendations and implementing programmes to advance the ecosystems in which they operate. 

Speaking of awards: 18 enterprises in Botswana, Malawi, and Zambia received the SEED Climate Adaptation Awards, propelling them from start-up stage to emerging businesses with positive environmental, social and economic benefits. Funded by the Government of Flanders, SEED supports eco-inclusive companies that actively contribute to building the climate resilience of local communities in Southern Africa.  

Fostering green growth: Impact on Morocco’s micro, small, and medium enterprises

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Morocco have truly advanced in 2023 in green economy. With the SEED Replicator, the team engaged over 70 future founders and through the SEED Starter, approximately 30 early-stage green enterprises received support to refine their business ideas. These will generate positive environmental impacts to waste reduction and reduced CO2 emissions. 

adelphi also supports the Moroccan Start-up Ecosystems Catalysts (MSEC) association by developing ecosystem surveys to identify strengths and gaps in the start-up support ecosystem. Together with working groups, the team helped financing start-ups to elevate green entrepreneurship in the country. 

Business innovation processes and circular entrepreneurship

adelphi supports the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ) lab of tomorrow in the implementation of business innovation processes across the globe. Just to name a few, the team has conducted ideation sprints on:
•    innovative and sustainable packaging for food processing industries in Egypt;
•    energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in Tunisia;
•    greening and advancing e-commerce in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. 

In the last year alone, between 10 to 15 exciting joint ventures have emerged and are currently preparing their business model innovations for market entry.

The global agrifood systems need alternative approaches and innovative solutions to grapple with population growth, consumption patterns and extreme weather events. The SDG Agrifood Accelerator Programme, an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and SEED, supports eleven selected agrifood enterprises from Africa and Asia in the scaling-up of their business operations. This includes developing marketing and finance plans to support their expansion and innovation trajectories, strengthening their advocacy and pitching skills as well as tracking their SDG impact contributions.

As one of the most populous countries in Africa, Ethiopia seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector, the backbone of their economy. The project Agri-Business Incubation, or short "BIC Ethiopia” conducted the Agri-Finance Lab in 2023. With 51 participants from 13 financial institutions attending, the lab resulted in the development of innovative agri-financing products that help strengthen the agricultural sector of Ethiopia. To date, BIC Ethiopia trainings support over 730 participants through starter and catalyser workshops.

The work of adelphi and their partners shows how green entrepreneurship contributes to creating positive environmental impacts and elevating the role of MSMEs in the global green economy. It is clear that the journey towards sustainability requires continued dedication, innovation, and collaborative action from all stakeholders. The strides made in financing, biodiversity conservation, and agrifood systems offer a glimpse into a future where these businesses play a crucial role in building resilient communities and climate-friendly businesses worldwide.