Wfp & Egypt’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Announce Innovation Programme to Strengthen Food Security in a Changing Climate
08 August 2024
CAIRO – The United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP)
and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International
Cooperation are inviting start-ups with climate innovation solutions that are
operational in Egypt to apply for a grant to support affordable, inclusive and
high-impact innovations that enhance climate adaptation and food security.
The collaboration capitalises on Egypt’s ClimaTech Run
global competition that supports entrepreneurs and innovators with the aim of
addressing the most pressing climate and food security challenges in the
country.
The ‘Climate Adaptation Innovation Accelerator Programme’
(CAIAP) programme, is supported by the UN Adaptation Fund and is part of the
Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator’ (AFCIA) partnership with the
WFP Innovation Accelerator in Munich.
The programme targets entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies,
and non-governmental organizations in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon that work on
solutions to meet distinct food security and climate adaptation challenges.
Successful proposals will receive mentorship, hands-on
support, and access to WFP operations in addition to grants of up to
US$200,000. For more details on the award’s terms and conditions, visit the
website.
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and
International Cooperation is joining efforts with WFP to reach innovative
climate ventures through its ClimaTech Run network, established in the run-up
to COP27, and comprise tech entrepreneurs and digital artists.
Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and
International Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat said: "Empowering
startups and private sector participation are key drivers for innovation,
economic development and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable
Development Goals. In cooperation with WFP, the CAIAP will support and help
scaling up high-potential climate innovation in Egypt, unlocking the power of
local climate action initiatives through multi-stakeholder partnerships. In the
last few years, we launched the global ClimaTech Run and to date, we've reached
over 422 startups from 77 countries across continents in the competition's 2
editions. Today, as the newly merged Ministry of Planning, Economic Development
and International Cooperation, we look forward to continuing our commitment
towards empowering green-driven and tech-led startups through diverse
initiatives, such as CAIAP."
“The launch of
the Climate Adaptation Innovation Accelerator Programme is a powerful testament
that innovation is crucial to tackle food insecurity and climate change. This
partnership represents an important chapter in our fight for a food-secure
future in a rapidly changing world,” said Bernhard Kowatsch, Head of WFP
Innovation Accelerator.
“We are proud to
be working with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and
International Cooperation, supporting the programme’s launch in Egypt and
harnessing the power of local innovations to provide lasting and substantial
climate and food security solutions. For a country like Egypt that is both
affected by extreme climate and is rich in local innovations and strategic
private-public partnerships, this challenge provides a boost to sustainable
solutions. This partnership strongly aligns and contributes to our shared
mission to ensure food security for all,” said Jean-Pierre de Margerie, WFP
Egypt Representative and Country Director.
Last year, WFP launched its 2023-2028 strategic plan in
Egypt that focuses on areas to enhance food security, including agricultural
and rural development in Upper Egypt. In April 2024, Minister Al-Mashat and WFP
representatives visited projects in Aswan dedicated to community development,
capacity strengthening, enhancement of youth employability and vocational
training.
The deadline for applications is 13 August 2024. Interested
applicants can apply here: bit.ly/WFP-AFCIA-2024
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About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s
largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food
assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people
recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Arabic and @WFP_MENA
And on Instagram @WFP_Egypt
For WFP, please contact:
Amina Alkorey, WFP/Cairo, email: amina.alkorey@wfp.org
Kanzy Mahmoud, WFP/Cairo, email: kanzy.amr@wfp.org
For MoPEDIC, please contact:
Sayed Badr/ sbadr@moic.gov.eg
Dania Akkawi/ delakkawi@moic.gov.eg