Role of entrepreneurs and civil society in Africa's development

As a former UK Minister for Africa, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the vibrant potential of the continent. It is a land of immense diversity, not only in its people and cultures but also in challenges and opportunities.

While African leaders and governments have made significant strides, the continent’s most transformative changes often stem from the grassroots—entrepreneurs, civil society and innovative institutions leading the way. In recent years, Africa’s sustainability journey has gained global attention, with several actors championing projects that improve living standards while protecting the environment. These initiatives highlight a broader theme: sustainable development is both a necessity and an opportunity—empowering communities, fostering economic growth, and building resilience.

Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development, with innovators across Africa addressing challenges in energy, waste management, and food security. Investment in these businesses not only catalyses local economic growth but also creates pathways for social development that benefit entire communities. Two particularly noteworthy examples are NaFarm Foods in Nigeria and OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) which demonstrate how expanding innovative solutions can generate wide-reaching impact.

NaFarm Foods has developed scalable hybrid solar food dryers that preserve food and reduce CO2 emissions. By mobilising, training, and providing technical support to cottage processors, they are tackling food waste—a widespread issue that undermines food security and economic stability.

Additionally, NaFarm Foods is leveraging its platform to improve social and digital inclusion within the food supply chain, fostering greater connectivity and resilience for small-scale producers. Scaling this model could significantly reduce food waste across Africa while creating jobs and increasing productivity in the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s OpenMap Development has pioneered a new flood management solution that combines indigenous knowledge with geospatial data. With GPS devices, drones, and open-source tools like OpenStreetMap, community volunteers record critical data about flood risks, drainage systems and other geographic features in their neighborhoods. This local knowledge is then transformed into detailed, accessible maps that guide disaster response and urban planning. Initiatives such as OpenMap Development Tanzania can become a catalyst for creating self-sustaining, climate resilient communities.

These achievements have earned both entities significant international acclaim, exemplified by their nominations as finalists for the UAE’s prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize, which celebrates world-leading sustainable solutions in health, food, water, climate action, and energy. In January, the Prize held its annual Awards Ceremony at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a critical forum for leaders in climate resilience and energy transformation. With high-level dignitaries and heads of state in attendance, NaFarm Foods was announced as a winner of the Prize’s 1 million USD award in the Food category, while OpenMap Development Tanzania was declared the winner of Climate Action category.

Another critical area where progress is being made is in land restoration and carbon management, epitomised by efforts surrounding the Great Green Wall. This initiative seeks to combat desertification and restore degraded landscapes across the Sahel region, creating a lifeline for those affected by climate change.

Africa’s challenges are significant, but its potential is even greater. From the deserts of the Sahel to the highlands of Kenya, the continent is brimming with ideas, energy, and determination. The work being done by individuals and institutions across the region offers a vision of what is possible when ingenuity meets commitment.

As we look to the future, we must recognise that the path to sustainability is a shared responsibility. Supporting Africa’s efforts to build a greener, more equitable future is not just an ethical imperative—it is a global necessity.