Five African businesses that grow by protecting nature get a runway to $10 million

In Nairobi, five enterprises whose profits depend on healthy ecosystems have been chosen for the first Nature-First Innovation Lab, a 12-month accelerator run by FSD Africa with Systemiq and the African Natural Capital Alliance, backed by UK International Development and Norway's Norad. The cohort spans the continent: Acacia EPZ and ForestFoods from Kenya, Forested working across East Africa, NovFeed from Tanzania and Savanna Agri Chains from Ghana — working in regenerative agriculture, natural ingredients, beekeeping, fish farming and circular production. The goal is to make them investment-ready and help them raise an estimated $10 million together. The stakes are continental: research cited by FSD Africa and McKinsey estimates 62% of Africa's GDP depends on nature — yet businesses that protect it often struggle most to find finance.

SDG 15 · Life on land — Mechanism: funding & finance