NAIROBI, Kenya – The British High Commission and Manufacturing Africa hosted an Investor Night to spotlight seven innovative Kenyan startups from the second cohort of the UK-funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme.
The event provided a platform for the startups to pitch their green manufacturing solutions to potential investors, following three months of intensive business development training and mentorship.
This is rooted in the new Kenya-UK strategic partnership, built on shared values and bold ambition and set apart by the exceptional talents of our people.
The featured startups – Bio Food, eBee, Eco-Charge, Green Stem, ikwetta, Irri-Hub, and Pyrogen – presented their business models to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the event, the Acting British High Commissioner, Dr. Ed Barnett, said that Kenya’s green manufacturing sector is bursting with innovation and potential.
“Through programmes like the Green Business Building Accelerator, the UK is proud to support Kenyan entrepreneurs who are driving climate-smart solutions and harnessing technology to build a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Barnett.
Launched in January 2025, the GBB Accelerator is a UK-funded initiative under the Manufacturing Africa programme. It aims to build a thriving green manufacturing ecosystem by identifying, funding, and scaling sustainable businesses. The three-month programme provides hands-on advisory support to help startups raise capital and deliver pro-climate solutions.
What is Manufacturing Africa
The Acting British High Commissioner further said that the Kenya-UK strategic partnership is rooted in shared values and bold ambition – for people, planet, and prosperity.
“This accelerator programme will soon be complemented by the Green Manufacturing Platform, an investment solution launched with UK funding, tailored to the needs of rapidly scaling green businesses run by Kenya’s ambitious tech entrepreneurs. Kenya and the UK are working hard to go far, together.”
Thomas Pascoe, Manufacturing Africa program Team Leader, said they were delighted to have supported the next generation of Kenyan business talent on their business growth journey.
“The Green Business Building accelerator is an incredibly rigorous programme which takes a set of high-potential businesses and partners with them to really refine their business strategy and approach to investors over four months,” said Thomas.
On the other hand, Manufacturing Africa is a UK government-funded programme working to attract £1.9 billion in foreign direct investment into African manufacturing and create 100,000 jobs by 2026. It provides fully funded transaction advisory services and technical assistance to unlock investment and transform manufacturing subsectors.
Thomas reiterated that they were also excited that the second cohort would have a chance to connect with the investor ecosystem in Nairobi.
“We strongly believe that supporting them at this early stage will drive job creation, tax revenue and Kenya’s green industrial leadership position well into the future,” Thomas added.
What are the six selected startups
Mary Nyambura, Founder and CEO, Eco-Charge, said the GBB accelerator offered clear, actionable insights and valuable connections.
“It was a powerful catalyst for refining strategy and gaining momentum. It has helped us understand what kind of investments we need, the right investors to approach, and how to approach them,” Nyambura explained.
The evening also saw the GBB Accelerator welcome its third cohort, placing a strong emphasis on women-owned and women-led businesses. The six selected startups – Takazuri, Grounded, TenX, Cinch, Nasaru Naturals, and Frozen Isle – will begin their formal mentorship journey under the programme, chosen for their potential to scale and attract investment.
The GBB Accelerator offers tailored strategic and operational support, leadership development, and access to premier investor networks. Through this initiative, the UK government is supporting Kenya’s transition to a green economy, helping unlock new industries that drive inclusive growth and trade.
Research by Manufacturing Africa indicates that green manufacturing opportunities in Kenya could generate $2-4 billion in annual revenues by 2030, creating over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Discussion about this post