Angolan youth deased to impact Angola's climate future.

When creativity is combined with courage, a generation is born capable of transforming the country and perhaps the planet. The 2nd edition of the Desafio Genial Geração Verde was more than a competition. It was a national youth innovation movement in favor of climate sustainability in Angola.

For seven months, more than 740 young people, organized in 252 teams from all provinces of Angola, accepted the challenge of transforming environmental problems into solutions with real impact. With bold ideas and a genuine commitment to the common good, they showed that change starts with youth.

The closing event, held at the emblematic Iron Palace in Luanda on October 3, 2025, was a celebration of the talent, dedication, and vision of a generation that does not wait for solutions. 

"Today, we celebrate not only the announcement of the two finalist teams, but also the journey of all the young people who dared to dream, create and act," said Cristina Brugiolo, Acting UNICEF Representative. 

The Representative also added that "The young people who applied saw in the Desafio Genial Geração Verde an opportunity to solve problems, to create innovative solutions, and to impact society positively. They saw it as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop.

In turn, Maria do Rosário Alburqueque, Deputy Director General of the Angolan Institute of Youth, highlighted that "all the participating adolescents and young people were able to prove to us that there is no age to innovate, dream and build solutions". 

"Your energy is a powerful reminder that Angola's future has already begun and it begins with you." Added.

The closing event strongly translated the transformative spirit of the Desafio Genial Geração Verde.

In addition to an exhibition of projects and work carried out by StartUps, NGOs and Nations Agencies, the event included cultural attractions and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs; It included a strategic conversation circle where the main challenges faced along the way, the lessons learned and the future perspectives to strengthen the youth innovation ecosystem in Angola.com the partners involved in the initiative were discussed.

The highlight was the live presentation of the five finalist projects and the choice of the winning teams that received 1,250,000 kwanzas, as seed capital to leverage their initiatives. 

Ideas that Build the Future

The winning teams, BTC 5.0 and ECOTEX, stood out by presenting solutions that combine innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion. 

BTC 5.0 proposed Compressed Earth Blocks, an eco-friendly alternative to construction that uses affordable and sustainable materials, significantly reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices.

ECOTEX was surprised by the Inclusive and Sustainable Fabric project, a pioneering initiative in the textile industry, designed especially for people with albinism. Produced from natural capoque and cotton fibers, the fabric is lightweight, breathable, antimicrobial, and ideal for tropical climates, all with a minimal ecological footprint.

Inspiring Voices: The Power of Living Experiences

More than innovative projects, the winning teams brought with them stories of overcoming, growth, and transformation. His words reflect the profound impact of the Desafio Genial Geração Verde, not just as a competition, but as a journey of discovery.

For Boaventura Emanuel, a member of the BTC 5.0 team, "Desafio Genial Geração Verde” was a vibrant experience. He improved our discipline and confirmed that anything is possible. The best prize was the experience lived."

Isánia Emanuel, a member of the ECOTEX team, considers the Challenge as "a transformative journey. We grow as entrepreneurs, as a team and as people. Each challenge was a lesson, each obstacle an opportunity."

A Network That Drives Sustainable Dreams

Desafio Genial Geração Verde is a youth empowerment platform that inspires innovation with social impact. Promoted by UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Education, the program has the valuable support of international partners, including the Embassies of Serbia, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, and the company NELT. Together, they form a network committed to transforming ideas into sustainable solutions and opening paths for young talents to build a more inclusive and responsible future.

Together, we are all geniuses

Desafio Genial Geração Verde is living proof that Angolan youth are geniuses, in the way they think, act, and transform. Genius in addressing the challenges of climate, inclusion, education, and health with creative and sustainable solutions.

UNICEF Angola reaffirms its commitment to supporting this transformative energy by creating spaces where young people can learn, grow, and lead. Because when we give voice to youth, we give strength to the future.