Four out of the six winners from the Global South are from African countries – two from Kenya, and the others from Togo, and Zimbabwe. Between them they took away prizes for improving farmers’ access to clean energy, transforming refugees’ livelihoods, or training people for jobs linked to renewable energy technologies.
For the first time since it started in 2001, the Ashden Awards this year is being held in Nairobi, as well as London, ahead of COP27 which will have an Africa focus.
The ceremony, hosted by Kenyan human rights lawyer Cynthia Nyongesa, brought to life the stories and solutions of organisations creating the future and premiered powerful films showing the winners’ work.
Kenyan environmentalist Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at World Resources Institute, was the keynote speaker at the event.
With strong competition for awards in categories related to improving training and the number of skilled workers in the renewable energy sector, winners were selected for delivering innovative and scalable climate solutions to the journey to zero carbon.
Winners were chosen from more than 200 applicants globally by judges, including clean energy sector specialists from around the world, indigenous community representatives, refugees involved in energy access and funders and will receive up to £25,000 to help scale up their vital work.
Harriet Lamb, Ashden CEO, said: “Through our awards and at this, our first African ceremony, we are proud to celebrate and promote the groundbreaking climate solutions which will deliver a low-carbon future.
“Our winners and runners-up show how the continent is a hotbed of innovation demonstrating the resilience and ingenuity of those most at risk from climate change. They also show that clean energy has the potential to create jobs – 14 million in Africa by 2030 – and boost livelihoods. Green energy is a must.
“We will be showcasing their inspiring stories at the crucial COP27 climate talks in Egypt, where global leaders should sit up, take notice and provide adequate funding to scale up efforts to deliver a future in which no one is left behind.”
Since 2001, more than 240 innovators from all over the world have won an Ashden award. Ashden uses its network of contacts to amplify its voices and raise awareness of the winners. To maximise impact, the climate solutions charity also connects with funders, investors, policymakers and others, providing a global platform to showcase their work.
The winners will also attend the global Ashden Awards ceremony in London on the 2 Nov joining three UK award winners.
Ashden Award for Energising Refugee Livelihoods, supported by The Linbury Trust, the Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund, JAC Trust, Ashden Trust and a public appeal. WINNER
Runner up
Ashden Award for Energising Agriculture, supported by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
WINNER
Runner up
Ashden Award for Energy Access Skills, supported by LinkedIn.
WINNER
WINNER
Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions, supported by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
WINNER
Runner up
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