Climate Innovation Centre (CIC), a clean technology revolution, has started operations in Ethiopia and is expected to deploy and develop climate friendly technologies.

Spearheaded by Infodev, a global innovation program by World Bank, Ethiopia CIC was established in December 2013 and launched with the support of a $5million grant agreement between the World Bank and the Addis-Ababa University.

The purpose of the centre is to drive innovative solutions to climate change through the provision of financial support and mentorship to local climate entrepreneurs specialized in energy efficiency, biofuels, renewable energy and agribusiness.

Over the next ten years, Ethiopia CIC is expected to support over 200 technologically driven climate ventures with the provision of about 12,000 jobs.

It is also expected to help over 3 million Ethiopians adapt to climate change, boost access to energy for 265,000 people and increase agricultural practices for 120,000 farmers.

According to experts, lack of proper green energy strategy will lead to adaptation expense that will cost Ethiopia $5.84 billion yearly. The Ethiopian government is expected to work closely with the CIC with respect to the strategies outlined by the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE).

CIC is a brainchild of Infodev’s Climate Technology Program which is creating a network of CICs all over the world so as to encourage a pro-active participation of countries in the ongoing global clean technology, thus reducing harmful emissions.

The first CIC in Africa was opened in Kenya and others are being established in South Africa, Ghana and Morocco.