The escalating threat of extreme heat in Nigeria has spurred the formation of the TECA Heat Action Wave (THAW) coalition, a collaborative effort spearheaded by BFA Global, FSD Africa, ClimateWorks Foundation, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Nigeria. This initiative underscores the urgency of addressing a climate crisis often overshadowed by other environmental concerns. With a commitment of $1.1 million, THAW aims to empower 12 early-stage ventures pioneering innovative solutions to shield vulnerable communities from the increasingly severe impacts of extreme and chronic heat. This strategic investment acknowledges the critical role of locally-driven innovation in tackling a challenge that poses significant risks to human health, economic stability, and long-term societal resilience.
The impetus for THAW stems from the alarming rise in extreme heat events in West Africa, a phenomenon directly linked to human-induced global warming. Nigeria, in particular, faces heightened vulnerability, with millions of jobs and livelihoods at risk and a substantial portion of the population regularly exposed to dangerous heatwaves. Major urban centers like Lagos, Kano, and Abuja now experience peak heat indices exceeding 50°C, posing severe threats to public health and economic productivity. THAW recognizes that extreme heat is not merely an environmental issue but a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching consequences that demand immediate and decisive action.
THAW’s support extends beyond mere financial investment. The selected ventures will benefit from a comprehensive suite of resources designed to nurture their growth and maximize their impact. This includes seed capital, venture-building support, expert-led sprints covering crucial aspects such as user research, product design, business modelling, and fundraising. Each startup will be paired with an embedded venture builder, providing hands-on guidance and accelerating execution. Access to technical specialists, female-focused mentorship, and local consultants further strengthens the program’s capacity-building efforts, empowering entrepreneurs to effectively prototype and market-test their solutions.
The initiative’s focus areas reflect a strategic approach to mitigating the multifaceted impacts of extreme heat. Ventures will be developing market-driven early warning tools, providing crucial information to vulnerable populations. Innovative financial instruments, such as parametric heat insurance, will offer much-needed financial protection. Emergency-centric finance tech will facilitate rapid response and resource mobilization during heat crises. Furthermore, the program will support the development of ecosystem enablers and builders, tools, and services that enhance operational safety and efficiency in rising temperatures, ideally integrating early warning systems and fintech solutions.
THAW is not merely a funding program; it is a catalyst for transformative change. By nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of climate-focused entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to position Nigeria as a hub for scalable and investable climate innovations. This commitment to local leadership and ingenuity recognizes the crucial role of context-specific solutions in addressing the unique challenges posed by extreme heat. The program’s emphasis on inclusive entrepreneurship and gender-intentional design further strengthens its potential to generate equitable and sustainable solutions.
The TECA Heat Action Wave program represents a concerted effort to confront one of the most pressing climate adaptation challenges facing Nigeria and the wider region. By investing in locally-driven innovation, THAW is not only mitigating the immediate risks of extreme heat but also fostering long-term resilience and economic security. The program’s comprehensive support structure, combined with its focus on market-driven solutions and inclusive entrepreneurship, creates a powerful engine for driving impactful climate action. The culmination of the program in demo days and investor events, with potential for reinvestment and follow-on support, underscores the commitment to fostering sustainable and scalable solutions that can truly transform how communities withstand and recover from the growing threat of extreme heat.
