Tanzanian innovator wins global AI climate award

PHNOM PENH: A TANZANIAN innovator, Upendo Lyimo, has won the 2026 AI for Climate Action Award for developing CLIMAID, an artificial intelligence platform designed to help countries assess climate risks and improve adaptation planning.

The award was announced during the AI for Climate Action Forum 2026, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing together policymakers, technology experts, innovators and development partners to explore how artificial intelligence can accelerate climate action in developing countries.

CLIMAID combines Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite observations, geospatial information and household vulnerability data to generate insights that can support climate risk mapping, drought prediction, early warning systems and adaptation planning.

The platform also supports assessments of climate-related loss and damage, helping decision-makers identify vulnerable households, prioritise climate finance and strengthen reporting.

Speaking after the announcement, Ms Lyimo said the award would provide an opportunity to expand partnerships and extend the platform’s reach beyond Tanzania.