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Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Green Manufacturing Startups
The Green Business Building Accelerator helps green manufacturing startups in Kenya grow faster through expert led advisory, peer learning and investor access.
Over 3-4 months, we work with you to tackle key business challenges and get you investment-ready.
Ready to grow your green business?
The Green Business Building Accelerator blends hands on support with peer learning to help your business grow where it matters most. We offer a mix of one-on-one advisory and expert-led sessions in what we call Field & Forum.
Individualized research and advisory
Dedicated support from McKinsey teams and experts on company-specific challenges.
Time commitment: 3-4 hours per week during a 4-week sprint period
Cohort learning and networking events
Expert-led interactive cohort events on prioritized topics and networking opportunities with investors.
Time commitment: 2-hour sessions, bi-weekly throughout the 4 month program
Along the way, you’ll gain:
Tailored advisory and hands-on business building support to accelerate your growth
Exposure to potential investors and preparation for your next raise
Coaching and mentorship with senior industry experts and business leaders
Media and visibility at large community events and through press opportunities
Our Support
The GBB Accelerator provides tailored support to each company, focusing on 2–3 core modules based on the business’s most pressing needs. These modules consist of custom-developed scopes of work for each company, not off-the-shelf standard curriculum. Delivery follows a dynamic, hands on approach led by McKinsey teams through multiple 4-week sprint cycles. This process requires one dedicated point of contact from your team and a time commitment of 3–4 hours per week from the full executive team during sprint periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Businesses must be registered and operating in countries Manufacturing Africa operates in, working within the manufacturing sector with a focus on green or sustainable solutions. Applicants must have a clear growth vision and be actively planning to raise external investment capital.
What sectors do you support?
We are sector-agnostic and only require a clear linkage with green manufacturing. Past cohort members include companies in energy, mobility, packaging, agriculture, consumer goods and more.
Is there a cost to join?
No. The program is fully funded by Manufacturing Africa and UK Aid, with no fees charged to participants.
Can I apply if my business is still in early stages?
The program is best suited for growth stage businesses with a proven product or service and some traction in the market. Early stage startups may be considered if they show strong potential and a clear path to scale.
Do I need to be in Nairobi to participate?
No. While some inperson sessions are hosted in Nairobi, the program uses a hybrid model. Virtual participation is possible, though travel may be encouraged for certain events like kickoff or investor showcases.
What happens after the program ends?
You’ll join the GBB alumni network, giving you continued access to connections, updates and potential future opportunities with Manufacturing Africa and partners.
What if my business operates in more than one country?
As long as your business is registered and actively operating in countries Manufacturing Africa operates in, you are eligible, even if you have a footprint in other markets.
What makes this different from other accelerators?
Past participants have indicated that the fully individualized and highly targeted advisory support makes this program distinctive.
Who can Apply
The GBB Accelerator is open to African manufacturing businesses with green, scalable solutions. To qualify, your business should:
Location:
Based in the 6 Manufacturing Africa focused countries
Sector:
Actively involved in manufacturing, with a focus on green or sustainable solutions (e.g. clean energy, circular economy, agri-processing, green tech)
Stage:
Growth-stage business with a validated product or service and clear traction in the market
Impact:
Demonstrates environmental sustainability and potential for scalable impact
Team:
Led by a committed founder or founding team with the capacity to engage in the full 4-month program
Vision:
A bold ambition to scale, expand, or raise capital within the next 12–18 months.
If this sounds like your business, we encourage you to apply.
Starting Strong for a Greener Future
January 2025
The first cohort of the Green Business Building Accelerator supported seven innovative Kenyan businesses across sectors including electric mobility, sustainable packaging, organic fertilizers and battery technology. Over a 3-month period, participants received tailored business support and mentorship from over 30 global experts, helping them refine their strategies, strengthen investor pitches and address key growth challenges. The program concluded with an investor engagement event, offering direct exposure to potential funders.
Impact
”Today’s seven graduates show the incredible potential of Kenya’s business landscape and the fantastic opportunities to grow sustainable profitable and green businesses in the region. Our partnership with Manufacturing Africa is providing job opportunities for Kenyans as well as helping drive economic growth and enhance resilience to environmental and climate shocks. The UK-Kenya partnership is thriving – we're going far, together.
Tertia BaileyManufacturing Africa Advisor at the British High Commission
”The difference between this accelerator programme and others I have participated in is that support is tailored to individual businesses to address their unique challenges. The biggest take away as a business is refining our business story telling approach using market data.
Joseph MungaiCEO, AceleAfrica
”The first cohort of the GBB accelerator program has been a success and a valuable experience for us to refine our offering. We plan to admit 20 more companies over the next 12 months. We’ve already put out a call for promising and ambitious start-ups in the green manufacturing and adjacent spaces to apply for the next cohort, which will start in the next few weeks.
Thomas PascoeManufacturing Africa program Team Leader
Watch this space as we showcase their progress and support Kenya’s green manufacturing future.
Scaling Up Kenya’s Green Future
May 2025
Cohort 2 of the GBB Accelerator brings together Kenya’s brightest green-manufacturing startups across sectors such as agri-processing, clean energy, and sustainable food systems. Over the coming months, these founders will benefit from mentorship, hands on advisory, and curated investor exposure fuelling scalable impact, job creation and alignment with global climate goals.
Watch this space as we showcase their progress and support Kenya’s green manufacturing future.
Cohort 2 Graduation Event
Cohort 3 is on the horizon. We’re finalizing details and will be opening up applications soon. If you’re building a green manufacturing business in Kenya and want to be part of the next cohort, we’d love to hear from you.
GBB Goes Regional
This marks the beginning of a broader effort to support green manufacturing across Africa.
More details to follow as we prepare for the inaugural Nigerian cohort.
Cohort 3 Launch
Cohort 3 is on the horizon. We’re finalizing details and will be opening up applications soon. If you’re building a green manufacturing business in Kenya and want to be part of the next cohort, we’d love to hear from you.
