As Kenya intensifies efforts to build a greener and more sustainable economy, women entrepreneurs are increasingly emerging as key drivers of the country’s circular economy transition.
From transforming agricultural waste into valuable products to recycling plastics, promoting clean energy, and developing sustainable manufacturing solutions, women-led businesses are proving that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Yet many of these businesses continue to face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, technical expertise, business networks, and investment opportunities needed to scale their impact.
To help bridge these gaps, applications are now open for the CirculaRise Accelerator Kenya 2026, a six-month programme designed to support growth-stage social enterprises developing innovative circular economy solutions while strengthening women’s economic participation and leadership.
The accelerator is implemented by Yunus Environment Hub with support from the Employment Promotion for Women for the Green Transformation in Africa (WE4D) programme, funded by the German Government and the IKEA Foundation and implemented by GIZ.
Supporting Businesses That Create Both Profit and Impact
The CirculaRise Accelerator is more than a business development programme. It is designed to help entrepreneurs build financially sustainable businesses that also create lasting environmental and social impact.
The programme supports enterprises that are already operating within the circular economy or those seeking to transition from traditional linear business models to more sustainable approaches that minimise waste, maximise resource efficiency, and create green jobs.
Particular emphasis is placed on businesses that empower women economically, recognising the critical role women entrepreneurs play in advancing Kenya’s green growth agenda.
What Selected Businesses Will Receive
Over six months, participating businesses will benefit from personalised support aimed at accelerating business growth and investment readiness.
The programme includes:
- Ten personalised coaching sessions with experienced Kenyan business experts, including five virtual sessions and five on-site visits.
- Intensive training on circular economy principles and gender-responsive business growth.
- Tailored support to strengthen circular operations, improve business models, and prepare for investment opportunities.
- Direct exposure to investors through a Graduation Pitch Day involving a Tier-1 Kenyan bank and other impact investors.
- Increased visibility through networking events and international conferences.
- Access to a growing alumni network and global circular economy platforms that continue supporting businesses beyond the programme.
Participants will also engage in peer learning with fellow entrepreneurs tackling similar sustainability challenges across Kenya.
Who Can Apply?
The accelerator is open to Kenyan social enterprises that meet the following criteria:
- Registered legal entities operating in Kenya.
- In business for at least three years.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises employing between 10 and 250 people.
- Businesses already implementing or seeking to adopt circular economy practices.
- Organisations with a demonstrated commitment to creating social impact.
- Women-led, women-owned, women-managed businesses, or enterprises actively promoting women’s economic participation.
Each selected business will nominate two representatives, ideally founders or CEOs, with at least one directly involved in strategic decision-making to ensure successful implementation of the business’s circular growth strategy.
Why the Circular Economy Matters
Kenya generates thousands of tonnes of waste every day while facing increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. The circular economy offers a practical solution by encouraging businesses to reduce waste, reuse materials, recycle resources, and design products that remain in use for longer.
For entrepreneurs, adopting circular business models can unlock new revenue streams, reduce production costs, attract impact investment, and strengthen long-term business resilience.
Women entrepreneurs, who often face additional barriers to financing and market access, have an opportunity to become leaders in this transition through targeted programmes such as CirculaRise.
Building on Proven Success
Previous editions of the accelerator have supported innovative Kenyan enterprises across sectors including agribusiness, sustainable fashion, healthcare, renewable energy, waste recycling, menstrual health, manufacturing, and water and sanitation.
Among the alumni are businesses such as PadMad, Home Biogas Kenya, Bottle Logistics, Roak Swahili Wear, and Fullspoon, which are using circular economy principles to create jobs, improve livelihoods, reduce waste, and strengthen local communities.
Their success demonstrates how sustainable business models can deliver measurable economic, environmental, and social impact.
Application Deadline
Applications for the CirculaRise Accelerator Kenya 2026 close on 31 July 2026, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
For Kenyan entrepreneurs committed to building businesses that protect the environment while creating economic opportunities,particularly those championing women’s empowerment,the programme offers a valuable opportunity to access expert mentorship, investor connections, and practical support needed to scale sustainable enterprises.
As Kenya advances its green transition, empowering women entrepreneurs to lead the circular economy will be essential in creating a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.
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