Around the world, climate change is spurring a burst of innovation. New technologies are being designed to cut emissions, boost resilience and help economies adapt. From solar farms and electric vehicles to carbon capture and smart data tools, climate tech is rapidly evolving. In the Middle East and Africa, where temperature rises and water stress are urgent issues, governments and companies are adopting many of these solutions. This wave of tech promises both to meet climate goals and to create new industries in the region.
Renewables and Energy Transition
A cornerstone is expanding clean energy. In Egypt, for example, leaders have set a target of 42% of electricity from renewables by 2030. Solar and wind projects are underway across MENA. The Benban Solar Park in Egypt and Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate solar complex are among the world’s largest. Gulf countries are also moving fast: the UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and projects in Saudi Arabia and Algeria illustrate a regional push away from fossil fuels. Governments pair these investments with green tech.
Electric Mobility is the Future
The Middle East is building capacity for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and use. Global carmakers like Hyundai and Lucid have EV assembly plans in Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is exploring solar-powered EV charging and even recycling of old EV batteries. These efforts will reduce transport emissions and create new factories. On the African side, countries like Kenya and South Africa are testing electric buses and taxis. This not only cuts carbon emissions but also nurtures new tech industries.
Smart Tech and AI Solutions
Beyond energy hardware, digital innovation is also tackling climate problems. Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are being applied in weather forecasting, agriculture and disaster response. For instance, startups in MENA and Africa are using AI to predict droughts, optimize irrigation and protect crops. According to PWC’s State of Climate Tech 2024 Report, “AI-driven climate ventures have become a key growth area”. Innovations such as energy-positive wastewater treatment and carbon-rich compost to fight desertification are also on the rise. These advancements can help societies adapt to hotter, drier climates by making scarce water and land more productive.
Monitoring and management tools are also key
Companies are sensors and satellites to track emissions and warn of extreme weather. For example, drones and remote sensors help farmers in East Africa monitor soil moisture, while smart grids balance renewable output in North Africa. Even wildlife and forest conservation benefit: Africa’s rangers use AI and surveillance to protect habitats from fires and illegal logging.
Investment Trends and Gaps
Despite the creativity, the climate tech sector faces headwinds. Globally, as of 2024, investment in climate technology dipped significantly – a 29% drop from the prior year. The Middle East was no exception: regional investment in climate tech fell from about $5.0 billion in 2023 to $3.6 billion in 2024. Still, this level of funding remains substantial as every step towards climate investment regardless of its size, counts towards progress and sustainable growth, especially in emerging economies in regions like the MENA.
A notable pattern is that most Middle Eastern climate tech investment goes abroad (for example, into Chinese EV makers) rather than into local startups. In fact, only a small fraction (around $43 million) of the climate tech investment stayed within the region, as of 2024. However, rising initiatives like accelerators for green startups and regional innovation hubs, such as Masdar City in Abu Dhabi or NEOM in Saudi Arabia, aim to provide the needed support to push towards climate-friendly investment.
Looking forward, the technology toolkit for fighting climate change is broadening fast. From grid-scale batteries that store solar power through wind turbines optimized for low winds, to engineered trees, carbon-capture machines and energy-friendly desalination plants, solutions keep evolving. What’s clear is that deploying these tools at scale will require both investment and collaboration.
These tech solutions not only mitigate climate threats but also create new industries. If properly harnessed, this wave of climate innovation could make the region more resilient – and even prosperous – in the face of a changing climate.
