Moroccan agri-tech startup Sand to Green recently made headlines by securing a $50,000 grant at the DeepTech Summit 2025, showcasing the increasing global interest in African climate-tech innovations. The Catalyst Fund-backed company was honored in the Green Economy category at the summit, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir, Morocco.
Established in 2021 by Benjamin Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa, Sand to Green is on a mission to revitalize degraded land into productive farmland. Through a blend of satellite-driven land analysis, solar-powered desalination, and regenerative agroforestry techniques, the startup aims to convert arid zones into fertile and sustainable farms.
The recent grant is set to propel Sand to Green’s expansion efforts across Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. CEO Benjamin Rombaut expressed his excitement about the international recognition, stating that it signifies the potential of Deep Tech in ecosystem restoration, combating desertification, and providing sustainable economic opportunities in collaboration with local stakeholders.
The innovative approach of Sand to Green tackles critical issues of desertification and food insecurity, worsened by climate change. With over 40% of the world’s land already degraded, impacting half of the global population and costing the economy up to $6 trillion annually, the urgency for solutions like Sand to Green’s is evident. Africa alone loses about 3 million hectares of forest and arable land yearly due to desertification.
Sand to Green’s success mirrors a larger trend in Africa’s climate-tech sector, attracting increased investments. Catalyst Fund, a Boston-based venture accelerator, has been pivotal in supporting early-stage African startups focused on climate adaptation and resilience. The fund’s recent investments in various African climate-tech startups contribute to a burgeoning ecosystem of innovation on the continent.
Furthermore, venture capital firms like Equator are recognizing the potential of African climate-tech solutions, evident in their closure of a $55 million fund to support early-stage startups in sub-Saharan Africa. Sand to Green’s achievement not only validates the effectiveness of African-led climate solutions but also underscores the continent’s growing role in addressing global environmental challenges.
As climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable regions, innovations from companies like Sand to Green offer scalable and sustainable approaches to building resilience and ensuring food security. The startup’s collaboration with local communities, farmers, and institutions ensures tailored solutions that promote long-term sustainability and community engagement.
With continued support from investors and accelerators, African climate-tech startups are poised to play a significant role in global efforts to combat climate change. Sand to Green’s success story serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for impactful change through innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
