Wits University Receives $1.8 Million from Bezos Earth Fund to Advance Climate Solutions

Strategic Insights -

Wits University has been selected as one of 15 global teams awarded funding through the Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge, receiving $1.8 million to develop innovative artificial intelligence solutions addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges. The Wits Climate Risk Modelling Project will utilize cutting-edge machine learning and AI-based weather modeling to enhance medium-range forecasting across Africa, with an initial focus on Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region. The project aims to improve the accuracy and localization of weather predictions to strengthen early warning systems, support climate-resilient agriculture, and empower local communities with actionable climate intelligence. This award enables Wits University to push the boundaries of how artificial intelligence and local data can transform weather forecasting in Africa, delivering real impact for communities and decision-makers across sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wits University has been selected as one of 15 global teams to receive funding through the Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge.
  • The university will receive $1.8 million to develop artificial intelligence solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss and climate change.
  • The Wits Climate Risk Modelling Project aims to improve medium-range forecasting across Africa using machine learning and AI-based weather modeling.
  • The project will focus on Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region, with the goal of enhancing the accuracy and localization of weather predictions.
  • The project will strengthen early warning systems, support climate-resilient agriculture, and empower local communities with actionable climate intelligence.
  • The project will partner with national meteorological and hydrological services, as well as AfriClimate AI, a grassroots research community at the intersection of AI and climate science.
  • The project aims to operationalize and scale AI-based medium-range forecasting systems tailored to local contexts.

Statistics:

  • The Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge is a $100 million initiative launched in 2024.
  • The challenge connects innovators with resources and mentorship from leading technology partners, including AWS, Google.org, NVIDIA Corporation, Microsoft Research, AI2, and Esri.
  • The Wits Climate Risk Modelling Project will receive $1.8 million to support its development of artificial intelligence solutions for climate and nature challenges.
  • The project aims to improve medium-range forecasting across Africa, with an initial focus on Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region.

Sources:

  • "Wits receives US$1.8 million from Bezos Earth Fund" (The University of the Witwatersrand, 2025-10, https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/research-news/2025/2025-10/wits-receives-us18-million-from-bezos-earth-fund.html)
  • "Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge" (Bezos Earth Fund, 2024, https://www.bezosearthfund.org/initiatives/bezos-earth-fund-ai-for-climate-and-nature-grand-challenge/)