The Circular Economy & Social Impact Programme 2026 has selected 14 Kenyan organisations that are helping entrepreneurs build businesses centered on sustainability, innovation and social impact. Through training and peer-learning engagements, the programme is expected to strengthen the country’s support systems for climate-smart and circular enterprises.
Over the coming months, the selected Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESOs) will participate in masterclasses and collaborative learning sessions designed to improve their ability to support businesses tackling environmental and social challenges. The programme is expected to create stronger innovation ecosystems, improve support for startups and SMEs and encourage the growth of sustainable business models across Kenya.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of circular economy solutions in Africa’s development agenda. As businesses and governments increasingly focus on sustainability, the programme aims to help organisations build solutions that create jobs, reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and drive inclusive economic growth.
The Circular Economy & Social Impact Programme 2026 operates under the Circular Economy Innovation Cluster (CEIC) and is implemented by Climate KIC, GrowthAfrica and SecondMuse with funding from IKEA Foundation.
Organisations Supporting Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship
African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) was selected for its role in advancing science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development across Africa. Founded in 1988, the organisation continues to support research and policy development that helps African countries strengthen sustainable innovation systems.
Chandaria Business Innovation & Incubation Center (CBIIC) is recognised for supporting entrepreneurship, startup incubation and innovation development at Kenyatta University. The organisation helps young businesses access mentorship and business development support.
Circle Innovation joins the programme with a strong focus on climate innovation and ecosystem building. The organisation supports entrepreneurs through commercialization programmes, investment readiness support, systems innovation labs and climate-focused venture development initiatives.
Circular Innovation Hub continues to build collaborative platforms connecting innovators, investors, incubators and accelerators working in the circular economy sector. The organisation focuses on helping sustainable businesses become financially viable and scalable.
E4Impact Foundation supports African entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship programmes, business accelerators and educational initiatives aimed at building sustainable businesses that create employment opportunities and solve local challenges.
Impact Hub Nairobi was selected for its work in strengthening Kenya’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through collaboration, innovation and disruptive technology support. The organisation provides networks, workspaces and resources that help businesses scale sustainably.
Innobid brings a technology-driven approach to supporting MSMEs through its AI-powered e-procurement platform. The organisation works to improve access to procurement opportunities, financing and market linkages especially for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Building Inclusive and Climate-Focused Business Ecosystems
Institute of Design and Innovation (IDI) focuses on human-centred and community-centred design methodologies that help organisations and entrepreneurs create new ideas, launch businesses and improve user experiences.
KEPRO Kenya plays a key role in promoting resource efficiency and sustainable waste management practices. The organisation works with stakeholders across the post-consumer waste value chain to strengthen recycling systems and support Kenya’s transition toward a circular economy.
Loopworks Ventures supports circular and regenerative enterprises through knowledge management, training and early-stage venture building. The organisation focuses particularly on sustainable manufacturing businesses in the cosmetics and homecare sectors.
MDF | Empowering People, Creating Impact joins the programme with more than four decades of experience in organisational development, learning programmes, advisory services and partnership support across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Pit to Palace Initiative continues to support SMEs, youth, women and persons with disabilities through climate-smart entrepreneurship programmes. Its initiatives focus on ESG integration, youth venture building and community-based circular economy training. The organisation has already supported enterprises in accessing more than US$2.5 million in concessional and blended financing.
Prenura Global Enablers was selected for its efforts in empowering entrepreneurs through mentorship, business support services and growth opportunities designed to help businesses scale sustainably.
Ripple Tech and Innovation For Food Security and Rural Development completes the cohort with its focus on agriculture, climate technology and youth empowerment in rural communities. The organisation works to encourage young people and women to participate in agriculture while promoting the transfer and adoption of innovative climate technologies.
The selected organisations represent a growing network of ecosystem builders helping reshape how businesses are developed and supported in Kenya. By strengthening entrepreneurship support systems and promoting sustainability-focused innovation, the programme is expected to contribute to long-term economic resilience while addressing some of the country’s pressing environmental and social challenges.
