11 Pakistani businesses chosen for UK-backed climate finance accelerator programme

ISLAMABAD: Eleven Pakistani businesses have been selected for the 2026 cohort of the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) Pakistan, a United Kingdom-funded initiative aimed at helping climate-focused enterprises secure investment and expand solutions that support the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The selected companies operate across sectors including renewable energy, sustainable transport, waste management, circular economy, agriculture, construction and financial inclusion. The programme is part of the UK’s broader support for climate resilience, green growth and private-sector-led sustainable development in Pakistan.

According to programme organisers, the Climate Finance Accelerator has supported more than 230 projects globally and helped unlock over USD500 million in investment. In Pakistan alone, the initiative has facilitated up to $40m in financing for climate-related projects since its launch in 2022.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, said Pakistan faces significant risks from climate change but also possesses the innovation and entrepreneurial talent needed to develop solutions.

“Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, but it also has the talent and ideas to lead climate innovation. Through the Climate Finance Accelerator, the UK is helping promising Pakistani businesses turn ambition into investment, backing jobs, growth and a cleaner, more resilient future,” she said.

The selected businesses will receive up to five months of tailored support from financial, technical and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) experts. The assistance is designed to strengthen the companies’ investment readiness and improve their ability to attract financing.

As part of the programme, participating firms will also present their projects to climate-focused investors at an investment event scheduled for October 2026. The event will provide opportunities to connect with potential financiers and receive technical feedback on their proposals.

Since its introduction in Pakistan, the CFA has supported 22 projects in progressing towards commercial deals. Previous beneficiaries include Davaam Life, Shams Power, Concept Loop and National Foods.

The businesses selected for the 2026 cohort are Go Seed IT Pvt. Ltd., Biowaste Energy Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Bioenergy Solution Pvt. Ltd., A.S. Enterprises, Trash It, Sahara Recycling Pvt. Ltd., Waste Busters Pvt. Ltd./EnterTech Labs Pvt., EcoEdge AI, Daewoo Pakistan Express Bus Service Limited, Buscaro Technologies Holding PTE Limited and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance.

CFA Pakistan Team Lead Vardah Malik said the cohort reflects the growing strength of climate innovation in Pakistan, bringing together startups and growth-stage companies working in sectors critical to sustainable development and climate action. She said the programme would help these businesses scale their impact while contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability.