Networking Fridays with TECA and the Africa Blue Wave

This Networking Friday introduces TECA (Triggering Exponential Climate Action) an initiative of BFA Global, with support from OceanHub Africa that works on exploratory user research with potential end-users in climate-vulnerable communities. TECA has different ongoing waves. One of them is the Africa Blue Wave, a visionary, African-led initiative designed to sculpt a nature-positive and resilient future by 2030. It champions the fusion of cutting-edge tech innovations with the ancient wisdom of Africa’s maritime heritage, fostering an environment where both nature and society flourish in harmony. This initiative is funded by the FSD Africa and the Canadian Government, in partnership with IUCN and Mission Inclusion.

Program (PM/UTC):

01:00 -01:05 - Welcome remarks and introduction by Anthony B. Ndah 01:05-01:20 - Introducing TECA & the Africa Blue Wave, Hannah Eskinder, BFA Global 01:20-01:30 - Solutions for providing protein on African plates while improving livelihoods for fish farmers and fisherfolk, Clinton Obura, Samaking 01:30-01:40 - Sustainable nature-based solutions for urban infrastructure, Khiusha Uaila, Xi Bassile 01:40-01:50 -  Food Security for Madagascar with Mada Fia, Daniela Loberline, Mada Fia 01:50-02:00 - Q&A, moderated by Anthony B. Ndah 02:00 - Closing remarks

Speakers

Hannah Eskinder BFA Global

Hannah Eskinder is the Senior Programme Manager for TECA  ( Triggering Exponential Climate Action ), a venture launcher, and BFA Global's Livelihoods Portfolio, managing climate and women-empowerment initiatives. She excels in program planning, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring efficient execution and strategic partnerships. Under her leadership, TECA has reduced project costs and gained industry visibility through events and mentorship. With over six years of experience in operations, project management, and entrepreneurship, including a recent agribusiness venture, she brings valuable insights to TECA's Green and Blue Economy startups. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Commerce, multiple certifications in sustainability and finance, and is pursuing an MSc in Global Challenges to further her expertise in environmental and development issues.

Clinton Obura Samaking

Clinton Obura is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader, currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Samaking, which aims to promote fish as the primary protein in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinton holds multiple roles, including TECA Fellow at BFA Global, Mentor at GERMAN X, and was previously an Entrepreneur in Residence at Delta40 Studio, focusing on innovative ventures in the food sector. Prior experience includes roles as Director of Business Development and Growth at Elephant Healthcare, where strategic management enhanced healthcare service delivery, and Head of Sales, Growth & Partnerships at UberEats in Kenya. Clinton's tenure at Google involved managing strategic deals and supporting clients, with earlier career roles building foundational experience in various sectors.

Khiusha Uaila Xi Bassile

Khiusha Uaila is the Co-Founder & CEO of Xi Bassile, Lda, a startup pioneering nature-based solutions for stormwater management in Mozambique. She holds a master’s degree in Architecture, Urbanism, and Climate Action from University College Dublin (UCD) and is also the Co-Founder of ASSAMBA, an association promoting bamboo-based solutions for environmental conservation and sustainable development. She started Xi Bassile in 2022 to address urban infrastructure challenges through green infrastructure and circular economy principles. Under her leadership, the startup has gained international recognition through programs like BFA Global’s TECA Wave, Orange Corners Mozambique, and EIT Climate-KIC’s ClimateLaunchpad. Khiusha is dedicated to bridging environmental science and applied solutions to build climate-resilient urban communities.

Daniela Loberline Mada Fia

Daniela Loberline RATIARISOA is a dynamic social entrepreneur, climate activist, and expert in the blue & green economy, gender, and rural development. As the Co-Founder of MADA-FIA, she leads strategic partnerships, communication, and resource mobilization to scale the company’s impact. With a deep-rooted connection to Madagascar’s coastal communities, Daniela is committed to reducing post-harvest losses, promoting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing food security through innovative Himono-inspired fish drying techniques. With extensive expertise in business development, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, she drives sustainable and equitable growth in Madagascar’s seafood sector.

Moderator

Anthony B. Ndah Sol-Consulting, ECOP Africa coordinator 2022-2023

Anthony is an interdisciplinary marine scientist and ocean-climate solutions enthusiast with years of study and research at major institutions. He holds a BSc. in Geography from the University of Buea, an MSc. in Marine Affairs from Xiamen University, a Postgrad Dip. in Oceanography from the Nf-POGO Center of Excellence, and a PhD in Environmental Studies from Brunei Darussalam University. His career highlights include post-doctoral research at Alfred Wegener Institute, IOC-UNESCO consultant and ECOP Africa coordinator, ecosystem scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and digital environmental applications developer at Sol-Consulting. Anthony is enthusiastic about developing solutions and strategies to advance nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable blue economy in Africa. We will continue with the Networking Fridays during the next months. More information about future sessions as well as presentations and videos from previous sessions can be found here. Please do not forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.  Twitter Hashtag: #netfridays. Expect some very exciting mornings, afternoons or evenings, depending on where you are… If you need any additional information please send an email to Catarina Duarte.