MultiChoice champions environmental innovation across Africa through The Earthshot Prize partnership

It’s said that you don’t have to look far to find innovation in Africa. With a youthful population and richness in resources, the continent has enormous potential to unlock new avenues for sustainable growth through the transformative power of human creativity and ingenuity.

At the same time, the impact of climate change on the continent is a pressing concern, especially given Africa’s reliance on climate-sensitive sectors – despite its relatively small contribution to global emissions.

Thus, with a knack for innovation on the one hand, and the need for sustainable development on the other, there’s a notable rise in entrepreneurial solutions in areas such as education, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and finance.

Recognising the crucial importance of safeguarding the planet for the future, leading African entertainment company MultiChoice Group, and global environmental initiative The Earthshot Prize are continuing with sustainability efforts to identify and support eco-innovators with groundbreaking solutions to environmental challenges.

“By partnering with The Earthshot Prize, we are demonstrating our commitment to driving sustainable change,” says Alex Okyere, Managing Director, MultiChoice Ghana, . “We want to amplify the voices of those dedicated to protecting our planet. The Earthshot Prize aligns perfectly with our vision of leveraging entertainment to inspire action and create meaningful impact.”

“Our ESG strategy is not about quick fixes; it’s about creating a lasting positive impact,” says Nii Amah Dagadu, Head Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Ghana. “We firmly believe in the power of corporate responsibility to drive significant environmental progress, and our support for The Earthshot Prize reflects this. We remain dedicated to supporting the next generation of environmental pioneers and helping them scale their solutions for global impact.”

“Partnering with The Earthshot Prize allows us to put our commitment to sustainability into action,” Alex Okyere added. “We’re using our reach to shine a light on the people and projects creating real solutions for our planet. We believe that by showcasing these inspiring stories, we can motivate our audience to join us in building a more sustainable future.”

The Earthshot Prize has witnessed remarkable interest from Africa, with a record-breaking 400 entries received from the continent. What’s more, promising eco-innovators who are shortlisted to compete for the 2024 awards, stand a chance to win a £1-million prize.

Now, in anticipation of the awards ceremony, scheduled to be held on African soil for the first time, The Earthshot Prize team will embark on a roadshow across the continent. The tour will include stops in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, to engage with local communities, inspire environmental action, and shine a spotlight on the exceptional work of African innovators.

Eco-innovators include Ghana’s own Farmerline Group – the largest digital marketplace, which empowers as many as 2-million small-scale farmers and reduces emissions for 3 000 agribusinesses and food companies.

Moving onto Nigeria, SolarSister Inc. trains and supports women to deliver clean energy to homes in rural communities. While Keep It Cool helps small-scale fisherfolks, poultry, and fish farmers in East Africa using end-to-end, tech-enabled cold chain solutions.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with changemakers and partners like MultiChoice,” says Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize. “Together, we will showcase the incredible innovation emerging from the continent, facilitate important conversations about scaling solutions and securing funding, and partner with young creatives and filmmakers to share compelling African stories.”

MultiChoice Group recognises the urgent need to address climate change, particularly in Africa, where its effects are deeply felt.

In its latest ESG report, the Group outlines various initiatives it has implemented to minimise its environmental impact, including investments in renewable energy, carbon footprint reduction strategies, and the adoption of sustainable business practices.

The partnership with The Earthshot Prize builds upon MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. As a member of the Earthshot Prize Global Alliance, MultiChoice actively collaborates with global stakeholders to drive meaningful environmental progress.