Kenya, South Africa Stages of "2026 Global Accelerating Support Program" Wrap Up

Seven Promising Domestic Climate-Tech Startups Participated… Numerous Effective Partnerships Launched with Key Local Institutions and Companies

The Korea-Africa Foundation successfully hosted an on-site accelerating program in Nairobi, Kenya and South Africa for approximately three weeks, from August 5 to 27, for domestic climate-tech startups. The program was part of the "2026 Global Accelerating Support Program," overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and administered by the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED).

Seven promising domestic startups in the climate-tech sector?spanning agriculture, energy, and eco-friendly technologies?participated in the program. To support their soft-landing in the Kenyan and South African markets, participating companies received multifaceted assistance including B2B business matching, one-on-one customized consulting, and the development of networks with key local institutions and investors.

Since building cooperative networks with governments and international organizations is a key factor in entering the African market, the active interest and support of H.E. Prof. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, Ambassador of Kenya to Korea, played a significant role in this program. Thanks to Ambassador Kipsoi's dedicated support, smooth communication and substantive connections were established with major local government agencies and the public sector, including the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA).

In addition, the networking event held on August 7 at the Hyatt Regency in Nairobi, Kenya, was graced by Ambassador Kang Hyung-sik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, who delivered welcoming remarks. The event drew large attendance from officials of major local government agencies, international organizations, multinational corporations, and investment institutions. Attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on the potential for building substantive partnerships with the Korean startups.

Through approximately three weeks of on-site business matching, participating startups conducted one-on-one meetings with partners tailored to their pre-identified needs. As a result, the program yielded concrete and meaningful outcomes that went beyond simple meetings?including the signing of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with local government agencies and the advancement of joint projects.

A Korea-Africa Foundation official stated, "Building trust-based relationships with governments and public institutions is paramount when entering the African market, and thanks to the multifaceted support of the Embassy of Kenya in Korea, we were able to establish swift and in-depth cooperative frameworks with key local government agencies." The official added, "Building on the know-how accumulated over the past three years of Korea-Africa startup exchange programs, we will continue to provide follow-up support and strengthen partnerships so that our startups can achieve sustainable growth in the African market."

▲ Group photo of participating companies at the Networking Day (Ambassador Kang Hyung-sik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, center)

△ Pitching session by participating companies at the networking event