GEEP 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge: Driving the Future of Cape Verde

The GEEP (Global Environment Education Partnership) 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge represents a unique opportunity for young Cape Verdeans with innovative ideas and a passion for a sustainable future. This challenge, part of a global initiative, aims to empower young people to develop creative solutions to the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing Cape Verde. The 2025 edition promises to be even more impactful, with a focus on crucial areas for the country's development.

What is the GEEP Youth Innovation Challenge?

The GEEP Youth Innovation Challenge is a competition that encourages young people to present innovative projects that address environmental problems and promote sustainable development. The programme offers:

Specialised mentoring for project development.
Initial funding for the implementation of the winning ideas.
Visibility and recognition at national and international level.
Networking opportunities with other young innovators and industry leaders.

Thematic Focus of the 2025 Edition

The 2025 edition of the GEEP Challenge in Cape Verde will have a special focus on:

Renewable Energies: Development of innovative solutions for the production and distribution of clean energy, harnessing the archipelago's solar and wind potential.
Sustainable Water Management: Creation of technologies and practices for the conservation, treatment and reuse of water, combating water scarcity.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Implementing innovative agricultural techniques that increase productivity, reduce environmental impact and guarantee access to nutritious food.
Circular Economy and Waste Management: Developing business models that promote the reuse, recycling and reduction of waste, transforming it into resources.
Sustainable tourism: Creation of initiatives that minimise the environmental impact of tourism and benefit local communities.

Why take part in the GEEP 2025 Challenge?

Taking part in the GEEP 2025 Challenge offers numerous benefits for young Cape Verdeans:

Skills Development: Improving leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Social Impact: Contribution to building a more sustainable and prosperous future for Cape Verde.
Career opportunities: Access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the environmental and sustainable development sector.
Recognition and Visibility: National and international prominence for the winning projects, opening doors to new opportunities.

Examples of Success from Previous Editions

In previous editions, the GEEP Challenge has already boosted innovative projects in Cape Verde. One notable example is the "AquaVerde" project, which developed a rainwater harvesting and treatment system for rural communities, reducing dependence on polluted water sources. Another successful project was "EcoEnergia", which created a business model for small-scale solar energy production, generating income for low-income families.

How to sign up for the GEEP 2025 Challenge?

The application process for the GEEP 2025 Challenge is simple and accessible. Those interested should:

Form a team of 2 to 5 members.
Develop an innovative project proposal that addresses one of the priority themes.
Fill in the online application form with detailed information about the project and the team.
Submit the proposal by the deadline.

The proposals will be assessed by a panel of experts based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, social and environmental impact, and potential for scalability.

Relevant statistics for Cape Verde

Cape Verde faces significant challenges related to sustainability. For example:

Dependence on fossil fuels for energy production is high, accounting for around 80% of the energy matrix.
Water scarcity is a chronic problem, affecting agriculture and domestic supply.
Waste management is inadequate, with high rates of rubbish deposited in landfills.

The GEEP 2025 Challenge is a crucial opportunity to tackle these challenges by encouraging young people to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

The GEEP 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge is more than a competition; it is a catalyst for change and an investment in Cape Verde's future. By empowering young people to develop innovative solutions to environmental and socio-economic challenges, the GEEP Challenge contributes to building a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous country. We encourage all young Cape Verdeans with innovative ideas to take part in this transformative initiative.

For more information and to register, visit: https://thegeep.org/programs/youth-innovation-challenge

Application deadline: 30 June 2025.