But they cannot act in isolation. Government, donors and the private sector need to move as one if resilience is to take root in Nigeria.

In late May 2025, flooding in Mokwa in Niger State killed at least 117 people and left several still missing. Earlier, heavy rains destroyed homes and claimed at least 21 lives in north-central Nigeria. 

On August 6, the federal government issued flood alerts for 19 states, warning of further extreme rainfall between August 5-9. 

These events show a pattern of high climate risk: poor drainage, urbanisation, infrastructure vulnerability and changing rainfall patterns all combine to raise the stakes for agriculture, food security and human lives.

Why this is important – the drivers

• Scale of the hazard. Floods are not occasional. The Mokwa event was one of the deadliest in recent years. Lives and livelihoods are being wiped out.
• Underlying drivers. Rapid urban growth, informal settlements without drainage, old dams or reservoir‐releases (the latter implicated in past flood alerts) and infrastructure that wasn’t built with climate resilience in mind. 
• Financial gap. According to the latest report by Climate Policy Initiative, Nigeria mobilised about $2.5 billion in climate finance in 2021/22, up from $1.9 billion in 2019/20, but the annual gap (the amount needed vs the amount mobilised) is around $27.2 billion. 
• Data & systems weakness. There are limited hydrological sensors, weak last-mile alerting, and procurement systems that favour large infrastructure over agile tech-solutions.

What startups can build (and why)

Here are four areas of opportunity where startups can move from idea to impact.

1. AgTech for small-holder resilience

Startups can deliver climate-smart advisory (micro‐weather + seasonal forecasts), flood/drought-tolerant seed systems, bundled micro-insurance linked to weather triggers, and credit for replanting after floods. 

The reason: agriculture is highly exposed; floods destroy farmland and disrupt planting cycles. A viable business model could be subscription advisory plus revenue share on inputs and insurance commissions.

2. Urban resilience & data-driven infrastructure

A startup might build flood-risk mapping using satellite & local sensors, dashboards for municipalities or utilities, plus partnering with local contractors for nature-based drainage solutions. 

Drainage failures, particularly in fast-growing urban zones, magnify losses. Monetisation may come via B2G contracts (municipalities), and SaaS for decision-makers.

3. Disaster early-warning & last-mile alerting

Existing forecast agencies (e.g., the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency) generate data. The gap is last-mile: reaching communities with actionable alerts, setting up evacuation triggers, and automating cash transfers tied to events. 

Startups can provide alert platforms, community-volunteer networks, and cash-trigger logic. Revenue comes from contracts with federal/state agencies or donors financing early‐warning programmes.

4. Data & risk-finance platforms

Startups can build APIs that feed river/dam sensor data, flood-indexes for insurers, and platforms that match resilience projects with blended finance. 

This matters because insurers, lenders and investors require data and pipelines to underwrite risk and invest in adaptation. Business models: licensing data/APIs, performance-based contracts, or match-making fees.

Real barriers—for clarity

I don’t want to sugar-coat it. To succeed, startups must navigate tough obstacles:

• Demand and payment risk. Many users (farmers, low-income communities) either cannot pay or are unwilling; commercial viability is weak without subsidy or public procurement.
• Procurement friction. Governments usually prefer big infrastructure contracts; small pilots are easier but scaling is slow.
• Finance constraints. As CPI found: “affordability of finance” and “limited supply of bankable projects” are major limitations. 
• Data gaps & interoperability. Without local sensors, standardised APIs or institutionalised data-sharing, solutions remain brittle.
• Policy/regulation lag. If legal frameworks, open data mandates and procurement reforms don’t keep pace, startups are left in limbo.

Government role – what must happen

If I were advising a government, I’d urge these five actions:

1. Commit to rapid procurement windows: allocate dedicated budgets for resilience tech (not just studies) so startups can contract and scale.
2. Mandate open data/ APIs from agencies like NiMet and NIHSA; make hydrological & meteorological data accessible.
3. Establish blended-finance/guarantee facilities that de-risk private investment in resilience (so startups can raise funding).
4. Embed impact-based early-warning systems in national disaster-risk management plans; authorise automatic triggers (e.g., cash transfers, evacuation alerts) when thresholds are exceeded.
5. Support local capacity at state and municipal level: invest in drainage, sensors, maintenance funds and community-volunteer networks.

Donors & development finance – their move

Donors and multilateral funds should focus on enabling, not just funding studies:

• Provide first-loss and outcome-based grants to make resilience commercially viable for startups.
• Fund data infrastructure: sensors, river gauges, ground monitoring networks and software platforms.
• Support risk transfer mechanisms, e.g., parametric insurance tied to flood/crop loss, accessible for rural farmers.
• Act as procurement catalysts: fund multi-year contracts that governments can absorb, reducing risk for startups.

Quick wins in next 12 months

• Launch a low-cost river-gage + SMS alert pilot across 1-2 high-risk LGAs identified by federal alerts.
• Bundle climate-smart advisory + micro-credit + parametric insurance for crop planting next season.
• Co-develop with NiMet a verified API feed for flood forecasts and package it commercially to insurers.

Medium to long-term (1-5 years)

• Build integrated river-basin monitoring (NIHSA + regional partners) and link to automated insurance triggers.
• Expand urban-resilience programmes: retrofit drainage, deploy nature-based solutions, create maintenance markets.
• Develop national procurement frameworks & climate-resilient infrastructure codes so tech innovation is institutionalised.

KPIs worth tracking

Choose measurable indicators:

• Time from warning to evacuation (hours) in pilot areas.
• Number of smallholders covered by parametric protection.
• % reduction in crop loss in project pilot zones year-on-year.
• Time from pilot to procurement contract for a resilience startup (months).
• Amount of blended finance mobilised (USD) for resilience.
• Number of municipalities using startup-delivered dashboards.

Risks & ethical issues

• Beware of “tech-solutionism”: technology alone won’t solve structural issues. Community involvement matters.
• Data privacy: especially for farm, household or geospatial data. Ensure consent and benefit sharing.
• Elite capture: resilience programmes must reach marginalised groups, not just well-connected players.

I believe we have a real opportunity in Nigeria. Startups are prepared to build the tools; the urgency is undeniable. But without policy clarity, finance reform and institutional buy-in, innovation will stall in pilots. 

If the next 12 months see coordinated action among startups + government + donors, we’ll move from reactive relief to proactive resilience.

The post Turning Climate Challenges into Opportunities: How Startups, Government and Donors Can Build Resilience in Nigeria appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The funding is expected to scale up the company’s franchise model, boost food security, and help farmers withstand growing climate pressures.

Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 25% of GDP and employing more than 70% of the workforce. However, smallholder farmers, responsible for producing around 70% of the nation’s food, still live below the poverty line, many earning less than $2 daily. 

In northern Nigeria, these challenges are even more severe due to poor soil quality, erratic rainfall, and limited access to modern farming practices.

Babban Gona’s model offers end-to-end support including credit, training, harvest and storage services, as well as market access. In enabling top-performing farmers to run micro-enterprises that distribute inputs and financing to peers, the company has doubled net incomes for many participants compared to the national average. With BII’s backing, Babban Gona aims to reach about 140,000 farmers by 2029.

“Our partnership with Babban Gona is a great example of how BII is using catalytic capital to support innovative, high-impact business models that transform lives and economies,” said Benson Adenuga, BII’s West Africa regional director and head of office for Nigeria. 

“By backing this pioneering franchise model, we are not only addressing a critical financing gap but also helping to build a more resilient and productive agricultural sector and support smallholder farmers in a region that is often overlooked by investors.”

Climate resilience stands at the core of Babban Gona’s approach. The company provides drought-tolerant seeds, climate-smart inputs, and insurance products that shield farmers from extreme weather shocks, essential in a country where floods in 2022 and 2024 destroyed crops and displaced thousands.

Since 2018, Babban Gona has deployed AI tools trained on over two million images to help farmers identify crop diseases with just a smartphone photo. Its offline-enabled mobile apps ensure that even those in remote, low-connectivity areas can benefit. 

The same AI technology is used to support antenatal care for rural women and English literacy programmes for children, expanding its impact beyond agriculture.

Kola Masha, Babban Gona’s managing director, noted how early adoption of AI shaped the company’s global standing. “Our early work in AI enabled us to build very strong relationships in the space,” he said. “We were one of 12 organisations around the world brought into a small monastery in Lake Como with the likes of Nvidia, OpenAI, and Google to think about the role of AI for global development.”

Beyond farming, Babban Gona is experimenting with sustainable transport solutions in rural areas, including two-wheeler e-bikes and charging stations, an initiative Masha describes as building “the equivalent of a Tesla for northern Nigeria.”

BII’s latest investment is a medium to back African agribusiness, following recent commitments to companies like AgDevCo and Johnvents. 

For northern Nigeria’s farmers, however, the impact could be more immediate, with access to finance, tools to survive climate shocks, and a chance to earn a dignified income.

The post Babban Gona Raises $7.5m to Strengthen Smallholder Farming in Northern Nigeria appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the role of financial committees in effectively disbursing these funds and aligning their work with key strategic frameworks such as the African Agenda 2063 becomes paramount.

In this context, it is crucial to explore the workings of such financial committees and their impact on the African continent, considering the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in the digital age.

By examining how these committees can strategically allocate resources, engage stakeholders, build capacity, monitor progress, and foster innovation, we can better understand their potential to support African countries in advancing their climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

This development is significant for Africans in the digital age as it provides much-needed financial resources to combat and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

With the increased funding of $300 billion annually, African countries will be able to invest in transitioning to greener energy sources, addressing extreme weather damages, and enhancing climate resilience.

This will not only help mitigate the effects of climate change on the continent but also support sustainable development and economic growth.

It is crucial for African nations to effectively utilize this funding to build a more climate-resilient future for their citizens and the environment.

The recent agreement at the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where countries committed to providing $300 billion annually to developing nations, marks a significant milestone in the global fight against climate change.

Will Green Investments Dominate 2025?

This substantial funding is aimed at assisting developing countries in combating and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, including transitioning to sustainable energy sources, addressing the impacts of extreme weather events, and bolstering climate resilience.

Referred to as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), this agreement represents a major advancement from the previous annual target of $100 billion established in 2009, effectively tripling the financial support available.

While falling short of the $1.3 trillion initially requested by developing countries, this increased funding allocation signals a significant step forward in global efforts to address the climate crisis and underscores a collective commitment to fostering sustainable development and climate resiliency worldwide.

How can the annual $300 billion allocated to developing nations add value and drive impact, particularly in the realms of AI and cybersecurity, in the digital age?

This inquiry delves into the critical importance of leveraging financial resources to bolster advancements in technology and ensure sustainable development in these regions.

By exploring the intersection of financial support, technological innovation, and strategic investments, we can uncover the transformative potential of these funds in shaping the future trajectory of developing nations.

The allocation of $300 billion annually to developing nations for climate change initiatives presents significant opportunities for value addition and impact, particularly when considering the crucial roles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security in the digital age.

1. AI for Climate Solutions: With a substantial financial injection, developing nations can leverage AI technologies to optimize climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. AI can be used for predictive modelling, resource allocation, and decision-making processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of climate initiatives, such as renewable energy deployment, disaster risk management, and natural resource conservation.

2. Enhanced Climate Resilience through Data-driven Insights: Investing in AI-powered data analytics can enable developing nations to gather, analyze, and leverage large-scale environmental data for enhanced climate resilience. By harnessing predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, governments and organizations can better anticipate and respond to climate-related threats, such as extreme weather events and sea level rise.

3. Cyber Security for Climate Finance Protection: Given the substantial financial commitment involved, it is crucial to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect climate finance resources from cyber threats and fraudulent activities. Developing nations can utilize cybersecurity technologies and practices to safeguard financial transactions, data sharing, and communication channels related to climate finance, ensuring accountability and transparency in fund management.

4. AI-driven Climate Adaptation Strategies: AI algorithms can help identify climate vulnerabilities, assess risks, and develop targeted adaptation strategies to build resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. By integrating AI technologies into climate adaptation planning, developing nations can create tailored solutions for sustainable infrastructure development, agricultural resilience, and disaster preparedness.

5. Capacity Building and Skill Development: Investing in AI and cybersecurity infrastructure also provides an opportunity for developing nations to enhance their technological capabilities and workforce skills. Training programs and knowledge exchange initiatives can empower local communities and institutions to leverage AI tools and cybersecurity practices effectively, strengthening their resilience to climate change impacts and digital threats.

Intriguingly, the strategic allocation of $300 billion annually to developing nations for climate action, coupled with investments in AI and cybersecurity technologies, can catalyze transformative changes in how countries approach climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation in the digital age.

By harnessing the power of AI and cybersecurity innovations, developing nations can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental protection.

How does this financial committee navigate the intricacies of supporting developing countries, particularly in the context of advancing the African Agenda 2063?

By delving into the inner workings of this committee and its strategic approach to resource allocation, we can unravel the potential synergies between financial support mechanisms and the overarching goals of Agenda 2063.

Through this exploration, we aim to understand how this committee is shaping the economic landscape of developing nations and contributing to the realization of Africa’s vision for sustainable development by 2063.

The financial committee responsible for disbursing the $300 billion annually to developing countries for climate change initiatives would need to operate with transparency, accountability, and effectiveness to ensure that the funds are allocated efficiently and reach their intended beneficiaries.

When considering the African Agenda 2063, a comprehensive strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent, the workings of this financial committee must align with the goals and priorities outlined in Agenda 2063 to maximize its impact in Africa.

Here are some key considerations for the workings of this financial committee in relation to the African Agenda 2063:

Strategic Allocation: The financial committee must prioritize the allocation of funds to initiatives that align with the key objectives of Agenda 2063, such as promoting sustainable development, fostering economic integration, addressing climate change challenges, and enhancing resilience to environmental threats in Africa.

Investments should target priority sectors, such as renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology innovation, to drive sustainable growth and inclusive development on the continent.

Stakeholder Engagement: The financial committee should engage with African governments, regional bodies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure that the allocation of funds is guided by participatory decision-making processes and reflects the needs and aspirations of African populations.

Collaboration with key stakeholders will enhance the effectiveness and relevance of climate finance initiatives in advancing the goals of Agenda 2063.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer: To support the implementation of climate change projects in Africa, the financial committee should prioritize capacity building efforts aimed at enhancing the technical skills, institutional capacities, and knowledge exchange mechanisms of African stakeholders.

By investing in training programs, technology transfer, and innovation hubs, the committee can empower African countries to leverage climate finance effectively and drive sustainable development outcomes in line with Agenda 2063.

Monitoring and Evaluation: The financial committee must establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of climate finance investments on the ground, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and ensure accountability in resource management.

Regular audits, performance reviews, and impact assessments will enable the committee to identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement, thereby enhancing the outcomes of climate action projects in Africa.

Promotion of Innovation and Partnership: The financial committee should foster a culture of innovation and collaboration by supporting transformative initiatives, promoting public-private partnerships, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI and cybersecurity tools, to enhance the resilience and sustainability of climate projects in Africa.

By encouraging innovation and fostering cooperation among diverse stakeholders, the committee can drive positive change and accelerate progress towards achieving the objectives of Agenda 2063.

Intriguingly, the workings of the financial committee responsible for allocating $300 billion annually to developing countries for climate change initiatives should be guided by a strategic vision that aligns with the priorities of the African Agenda 2063.

By promoting transparency, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and innovation-driven partnerships, the committee can effectively support African countries in their efforts to build climate resilience, drive sustainable development, and achieve the ambitious goals set forth in Agenda 2063 for the benefit of current and future generations in Africa.

Therefore, the effective functioning of financial committees tasked with allocating climate finance to developing countries, particularly in the context of the African Agenda 2063, holds immense potential to drive positive change and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.

By prioritizing strategic allocation, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and innovation-driven partnerships, these committees can maximize the impact of climate finance initiatives in Africa and contribute to the achievement of Agenda 2063’s ambitious objectives.

As we navigate the complex challenges of climate change and the digital age, the collaboration, transparency, and innovation fostered by these financial committees will be instrumental in shaping a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for Africa and the global community as a whole.

The post Towards a Climate Resilience African Agenda 2063 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.