Challenge
Africa is home to 25% of the world's biodiversity but receives less than 6% of global conservation financing. This disconnect leaves high-impact, on-the-ground conservation efforts underfunded and disconnected from capital markets.
Solution
In response, Axum and partners launched BIRA, Africa's first biodiversity accelerator. Initially funded by FSD Africa Investments and now incubated by SITU, BIRA is a coalition that includes the African Leadership University's School of Wildlife Conservation, CreditNature, Xilva, and Axum. Together, the coalition supports nature-positive enterprises through pipeline development, ecosystem valuation, and innovative financing instruments.
Key components include:
- The Accelerator
- Funders' Circle
- Buyers' Club
- Communities of Practice
- Executive Training
Impact
BIRA is bridging the gap between conservation practice and investment by aggregating, supporting, and de-risking ventures with strong environmental and community outcomes.