President Daniel Chapo has issued a direct call to action for entrepreneurs across Mozambique and Southern Africa: step up, innovate and lead Africa’s battle against desertification and drought.
In a stirring address delivered during an African Union webinar marking World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Mozambican president didn’t mince words: “Across Africa, the growing threat of drought and the relentless advance of desertification are putting millions of people at risk. We must act now.”
But the message wasn’t just for policymakers and diplomats it was a clarion call for innovators, startups and local business leaders to join the frontlines.
Southern Africa is in the grip of climate chaos. The El Niño phenomenon between 2023 and 2024 triggered one of the worst droughts in decades, hitting Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa hard. Over 30 million people have been impacted, facing hunger, water scarcity and worsening poverty.
Yet, within this crisis lies a trillion-dollar opportunity one that climate-smart entrepreneurs can seize.
“More than 45% of Africa’s land is already affected by desertification,” President Chapo warned. “But this does not have to be Africa’s fate. There is still hope and a way forward.”
From climate-resilient agriculture and solar-powered irrigation to land restoration tech and biodiversity monitoring apps, the continent needs startups ready to transform ecological challenges into scalable solutions.
President Chapo spotlighted climate-smart agriculture, community-led reforestation, digital drought forecasting, and large-scale efforts like the Great Green Wall as areas ripe for entrepreneurial input.
He emphasized: “By restoring degraded landscapes, we can create new livelihoods, reduce forced migration, revitalize ecosystems, and ensure food security.”
In other words this is no longer just a government problem. This is business territory ripe for founders who dare to disrupt outdated systems and design for long-term ecological and economic gain.
Mozambique itself is no stranger to climate devastation. In just four years (2019–2023), over 1,000 lives were lost and 4.9 million people were affected by extreme weather events including cyclones, floods and severe droughts.
Yet, local entrepreneurs from eco-agribusinesses to green construction startups are rising to meet the moment. What they need now is investment, regional collaboration and policy support to scale their impact.
President Chapo’s message to entrepreneurs is clear: “Solutions are within reach.” He sees entrepreneurs not just as job creators, but as key drivers of resilience, food security and sovereignty in Africa’s future.
As Southern Africa braces for more climate shocks, the real opportunity lies in building startups that solve for the planet and the people at once. Africa doesn’t need saviors. It needs sustainable builders with bold visions.
