By Chemtai Kirui
The Ashden Awards, a global climate prize that recognizes organizations powering a fairer future, has announced that entries for the 2023 awards are now open. The awards will recognize eight trailblazing and empowering initiatives in low-income countries and the UK, with a focus on supercharging climate innovation and widening access to clean energy.
Of the eight awards, five are open to African organizations, with one focused specifically on solutions from the continent. The Ashden Awards aim to highlight and support the efforts of organizations working to tackle the climate crisis and promote a more sustainable future.
Organizations with innovative and impactful solutions to address the pressing challenges faced by low-income communities are encouraged to apply. The Ashden Awards will provide recognition, exposure, and resources to the winning organizations, helping to further their efforts and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
The 2023 Ashden Awards, an international prize that recognizes innovative solutions to climate change, has opened its entries. This year, eight awards will be presented to organizations and initiatives that are creating a fairer and greener future. The awards, which were established in 2005, have supported over 200 businesses, charities, and public sector projects.
With a focus on low-income countries and the UK, the awards are seeking trailblazing and empowering initiatives that tackle inequality, the causes, and effects of global warming. There are five awards open to African organizations, with one award specifically for solutions from the continent.
The entry period is open from January 18 to March 8, with the winners to be announced this autumn after a rigorous evaluation process. Participation in the awards is free, and the winners receive up to £25,000 in grants, publicity, and connections to new investors, funders, and partners.
Boosting Access to Clean Energy
Four of the five international awards will support efforts to increase access to clean energy. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 48% of people do not have access to electricity, making the issue particularly pressing.
Award categories include organizations supporting smallholder farmers through energy-efficient agriculture, empowering refugees and displaced persons with clean energy-based income generation, and providing skills and opportunities for individuals to enter the clean energy workforce.
Another award, dedicated solely to Africa, will recognize solutions in integrated energy, including work that connects diverse on- and off-grid systems to ensure clean energy is accessible and affordable for all.
The final international award category will recognize natural climate solutions, including work that enhances the incomes, wellbeing, and security of Indigenous peoples and local communities, allowing them to act as guardians and restorers of their land.
Calling All Trailblazers
Dr. Stephen Hall, Head of Awards at Ashden, says: “Africa is home to extraordinary innovation and also to many of the communities most threatened by climate change. With global leaders failing to act on the climate crisis, it is not surprising that people in Africa are leading the way with homegrown solutions.
“We are particularly eager to reward innovations that empower communities and support the most marginalized and disadvantaged. We will do everything in our power to raise the profile of our winners on the global stage and connect them with funding and investment opportunities. If you’re a trailblazer creating a zero-carbon future or know someone who is, spread the word or apply to the 2023 Ashden Awards.”
The Ashden Awards have boosted the success of over 200 businesses, charities, and public sector projects since their launch in 2005. As a result, recent winner YICE Uganda has seen a significant improvement in their brand image and has received ongoing coverage in the media. This has given them the confidence to apply for more funding and expand their impact.
Another award recipient, Kakuma Ventures, was able to bring attention to the issue of refugees and their access to employment and technology through their award win. Founder Innocent Tshimbola was invited to speak at the world’s largest climate summit, COP27, further elevating the organization’s profile and mission.
How can organizations apply?
Organizations should visit the Ashden website to find application forms, detailed descriptions of each award and the award process, and award criteria. The website also features more about past winners and the benefits of winning an award.
Don’t miss this chance to earn major grants and worldwide recognition for your innovative solutions to climate change. Apply now for the 2023 Ashden Awards and be part of a fairer, greener future.