“An innovation is only truly viable when it delivers environmental impact while creating lasting economic and social value.” – Ritah Rukundo, Project Manager, Global Carbon Markets Project, Uganda and Eastern Africa, GIZ.
During the UCIC 2026 Final Pitch Event, Ritah challenged innovators, investors and stakeholders to look beyond impressive technical results and consider what it takes to turn an innovation into a sustainable enterprise.
She emphasised that even the most effective solution can struggle to create lasting impact if it lacks reliable funding, market demand, affordable pricing and strategic partnerships.
Drawing on practical examples, she highlighted the importance of balancing environmental performance with affordability, local employment opportunities and ease of adoption. A solution must not only deliver environmental benefits but also make business sense and respond to the realities of the communities it serves.
She further encouraged funders and evaluators to consider the long-term viability of innovations, including market demand, customers' ability to pay, accessible distribution channels and the potential for enterprises to remain operational several years down the road.
Ritah also recognised the longstanding contribution of waste pickers, noting that their work in resource recovery existed long before circular economy became a widely recognised concept. She underscored the importance of recognising their contribution in building fairer, more inclusive and sustainable markets.
The takeaway? A successful climate innovation must go beyond solving an environmental problem. It must be affordable, commercially viable, inclusive and capable of creating lasting impact.
#UCIC2026 #UgandaClimateInnovationChallenge
During the UCIC 2026 Final Pitch Event, Ritah challenged innovators, investors and stakeholders to look beyond impressive technical results and consider what it takes to turn an innovation into a sustainable enterprise.
She emphasised that even the most effective solution can struggle to create lasting impact if it lacks reliable funding, market demand, affordable pricing and strategic partnerships.
Drawing on practical examples, she highlighted the importance of balancing environmental performance with affordability, local employment opportunities and ease of adoption. A solution must not only deliver environmental benefits but also make business sense and respond to the realities of the communities it serves.
She further encouraged funders and evaluators to consider the long-term viability of innovations, including market demand, customers' ability to pay, accessible distribution channels and the potential for enterprises to remain operational several years down the road.
Ritah also recognised the longstanding contribution of waste pickers, noting that their work in resource recovery existed long before circular economy became a widely recognised concept. She underscored the importance of recognising their contribution in building fairer, more inclusive and sustainable markets.
The takeaway? A successful climate innovation must go beyond solving an environmental problem. It must be affordable, commercially viable, inclusive and capable of creating lasting impact.
#UCIC2026 #UgandaClimateInnovationChallenge
