Kenyan Start‑Up Captures Carbon “Out of Thin Air,” Leading Africa’s Green Tech Revolution
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
A pioneering Kenyan start-up, Octavia Carbon, is gaining global attention this week after successfully launching a cutting-edge Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) prototype that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. This development positions Kenya at the forefront of Africa’s clean technology movement.
New Technology for a Greener Future
Octavia Carbon has begun operating its prototype units near Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Each unit is capable of capturing approximately 10 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air every year. This amount is equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of around 1,000 trees.
What makes the achievement even more significant is that the entire technology—from design to development—was completed in Kenya, showcasing the potential of local innovation and engineering.
Powered by Kenya’s Natural Resources
One of Kenya’s great strengths is its access to clean energy. Nearly half of the country’s electricity is produced from geothermal power, making it an ideal location for energy-intensive projects like carbon capture. Octavia Carbon uses this clean energy to power its capture units, ensuring that the process remains environmentally friendly.
The company plans to scale its operations and build a larger plant capable of removing 1,000 tons of CO₂ annually by mid‑2026. This will contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The economic opportunities arising from this innovation are substantial. Octavia Carbon is already engaging in carbon credit contracts, generating revenue that will support local communities and provide high-skilled jobs in the green tech sector.
Environmentally, the project strengthens Kenya’s leadership in climate action and sustainability. By actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere, it contributes directly to global carbon reduction goals and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate and clean energy.
Opportunities for Arab–Kenyan Collaboration
This achievement also opens doors for cross-border collaboration between Kenyan innovators and Arab investors and institutions:
Green Investment: The project presents an attractive opportunity for investors focused on sustainable and climate-smart solutions.
Technology Transfer: Arab partners can collaborate on research and development to enhance carbon capture techniques and expand applications across Africa and the Middle East.
Sustainable Trade: With carbon credits and green technology playing a growing role in global commerce, this innovation can form the foundation for new export channels between Kenya and Arab countries.
Joint Ventures: There is strong potential for forming joint ventures in green technology manufacturing and environmental engineering services.
A Model for Africa and the World
Octavia Carbon’s project is more than just a technical success—it is a blueprint for African innovation that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and economic growth. Kenya, with its rich geothermal resources and rising talent in science and technology, is setting the stage for a cleaner, smarter future.
This story is a clear example of how African nations, through determination and ingenuity, can lead in global sustainability and climate solutions. The Joint Kenya-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JKACCI) encourages partnerships that support such transformational efforts, believing that climate-friendly innovations are not only beneficial for the environment but also essential for long-term economic resilience.
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