Floods in Lagos, erratic rains on farms in the North, heat waves nobody planned for. Climate problems are already costing Nigerian businesses money, and RICH Hub wants to back the people building solutions with AI and data.
Its 2026 call for African Climate AI Innovators is open on a rolling basis, with potential scaling grants of up to US$200,000.
About the Programme
RICH Hub stands for Research and Innovation for Climate Hub. This call invites expressions of interest (EOIs) from African innovators whose AI or data-driven tools strengthen climate resilience.
It targets solutions that have already left the drawing board. The hub wants pilots and beyond, not slide decks.
Benefits
The headline is a scaling grant of up to US$200,000, subject to selection. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee funding, so treat it as the start of a conversation.
Around the money sits technical assistance, coaching, research and piloting opportunities, partner connections, knowledge exchange and visibility. For a climate tech founder, partner introductions often unlock the second and third customers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be African-led or based in an African country, which includes Nigeria.
- Address a clear climate or environmental challenge.
- Use AI or data-driven technology as a meaningful part of the solution.
- Have reached the pilot stage or beyond.
- Show potential for further development, adoption and scaling.
- Startups, researchers, organisations and other climate tech innovators can apply.
Documents Needed to Apply
The call does not list required documents. The EOI is a form, so what matters is having your story and numbers ready to paste in.
- A short description of the climate problem and your AI or data solution
- Evidence from your pilot: users, results, locations
- Your scaling plan and the budget behind it
- Team and organisation details, including CAC registration if you are a company
A clear scaling budget is where many applicants fall short. Our business plan service can help you build financials a grant reviewer will trust.
Key Details at a Glance
Programme: African Climate AI Innovators 2026
Organizer: Research and Innovation for Climate (RICH) Hub
Eligible location: African-led or Africa-based innovators, including Nigeria
Funding available: Potential scaling grants of up to US$200,000
Application deadline: Rolling, check the official form
How to Apply
- Confirm your solution uses AI or data meaningfully and has reached pilot stage.
- Collect your pilot evidence and scaling plan.
- Submit your expression of interest through the official EOI form.
Rolling does not mean forever. Programmes like this can close without notice once cohorts fill, so send yours soon.
Final Thoughts
Climate tech is one of the few areas where Nigerian problems and global funding line up neatly. If you have a working pilot, you have a case.
More calls like this are on our list of latest opportunities for the month.