Africa Climate Collaborative at UCT
At the University of Cape Town, the Africa Climate Collaborative brings together the University's existing climate expertise and initiatives within a unified, transdisciplinary framework. Hosted by the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), the programme creates a pipeline from recruitment and training through to upskilling and transition into green careers, connecting young people with opportunities in research, innovation, industry and policy. Through the Graduate School of Climate and the Climate Research and Innovation Hub, UCT is developing the next generation of climate leaders, strengthening interdisciplinary research and innovation, and creating pathways for African-led ideas and solutions to contribute to a more climate-resilient and sustainable future.
About the Africa Climate Collaborative
The Africa Climate Collaborative is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation, the University of Cambridge, the University of Cape Town, the University of Ghana, and Makerere University, with the Association of African Universities (AAU) supporting the Collaborative as its backbone organisation.
Together, we are strengthening the capacity of African universities to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to shape a climate-resilient and sustainable future.
The Collaborative brings together the expertise, networks and resources of leading institutions across Africa and beyond to support Africa’s transition towards a green economy. Through education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration, we are creating opportunities for young people to contribute to climate action, develop solutions and build meaningful careers.
Four areas of action
The Africa Climate Collaborative works across four interconnected areas:
Workforce Development
We are expanding opportunities for young people to gain qualifications, practical skills, leadership experience and expertise relevant to the green economy.
Entrepreneurship
We are supporting climate-smart innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems, helping young people turn ideas and research into solutions, enterprises and opportunities for meaningful work.
Research and Innovation
We are strengthening African institutions to undertake interdisciplinary research, improve the use of data and evidence, and develop innovative approaches to climate resilience and sustainability.
Networks, Policy and Learning
We are connecting researchers, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and support evidence-informed climate policy and decision-making.
Together, these areas create a connected pathway from education and research to innovation, entrepreneurship, policy and employment.
Working towards climate-positive growth
The Collaborative aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
By investing in people, strengthening institutions and supporting innovation, the Africa Climate Collaborative is helping to build the capabilities and opportunities needed for Africa’s emerging green economy.
Our ambition is to strengthen African institutions and empower young people to lead the ideas, solutions and opportunities that will shape a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future.