NAIROBI, Kenya — More than 150 green manufacturing stakeholders from across Africa convened in Nairobi for the Pan African Green Business Building Forum, a major gathering aimed at unlocking investment opportunities and accelerating sustainable industrial growth across the continent.
The one-day forum, funded by the United Kingdom government through the Manufacturing Africa programme, brought together green manufacturing startups, investors, and industry partners for discussions and networking focused on advancing climate-friendly manufacturing. The initiative sought to link innovative businesses with capital while strengthening Africa’s transition toward sustainable production.
Nairobi was selected as the host city due to its vibrant ecosystem of small and medium enterprises and its growing reputation as a regional innovation hub. Kenya continues to stand out as a continental leader in renewable energy, supported by strong investment in geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power.
A key highlight of the forum was the pitching sessions, where green manufacturing startups presented investment opportunities to more than 30 impact investors. The projects showcased spanned multiple sectors, including:
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Electric mobility
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Recycling and circular economy solutions
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Solar energy technologies
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Organic fertilizer production
These industries are seen as critical drivers of Africa’s green transition.
Experts noted that increased investment in green manufacturing could generate between $2 billion and $4 billion annually by 2030, while creating at least 200,000 direct and indirect jobs across African countries.
Speaking during the forum, representatives from the British High Commission emphasized that the initiative reflects a growing economic partnership focused on supporting green innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.
Officials from the Manufacturing Africa programme underscored the importance of supporting emerging African entrepreneurs at an early stage, noting that such efforts would strengthen industrial growth and position the continent as a global leader in green industrial innovation.
The forum also featured prominent voices in the green manufacturing sector who shared insights on innovation and sustainable production, highlighting the importance of partnerships between investors and startups.
The event builds on the Green Business Building Accelerator Program launched in 2025 to support climate-friendly startups through mentorship, peer learning, and access to investors. The program has already supported more than 50 startups across Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
The forum reflects growing collaboration between African innovators and international partners in addressing climate challenges while promoting industrial development and job creation across the continent.
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