Africa's innovation landscape is vibrant, with engineers constantly developing solutions to local challenges. The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, established by the Royal Academy of Engineering, stands as a beacon, celebrating and supporting this remarkable ingenuity. It's more than just a competition; it's a catalyst for transforming lives and driving economic development across the continent through the power of engineering.
It's more than just a competition;
It's a catalyst for transforming lives and driving economic development across the continent through the power of engineering.
Launched in 2014, the Africa Prize aims to stimulate, celebrate, and reward innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering across sub-Saharan Africa. The prize focuses on supporting innovators who are creating scalable engineering solutions to address local challenges, emphasizing the crucial role of engineering in improving quality of life and fostering economic growth.
Over the past decade, the Africa Prize has made a significant impact, supporting 149 businesses from 23 countries. A remarkable 71% of its alumni are currently generating revenue, and they have collectively raised $39 million in grants and equity. This demonstrates the prize's effectiveness in nurturing engineering startups and helping them achieve commercial success.
What are the benefits of participating?
The Africa Prize offers a comprehensive support package for shortlisted innovators :
- Prize Money: Up to £25,000 for the winner, and £10,000 for each of the runners-up. Notably, the 10th-anniversary winner in 2024 received £50,000.
- Commercialization Support: Crucial training and mentorship to help innovators develop their business plans, communication skills, and strategies for growth.
- Access to Networks: Opportunity to connect with high-profile engineers and business experts in the UK and Africa through the Royal Academy of Engineering's network.
- Showcase Event: Finalists get the chance to present their innovations to a judging panel and a wider audience at the Africa Prize showcase event.
- Alumni Network: Lifelong support and networking opportunities through the established Africa Prize alumni program.
Meet the Trailblazers: The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2025 Cohort
Who can apply?
The Africa Prize is open to ambitious and talented engineers from all disciplines in sub-Saharan Africa who are developing scalable solutions to local challenges. Key eligibility criteria include :
- The lead applicant must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country and ordinarily reside there.
- Applicants can be individuals or small teams.
- The innovation must be based in a sub-Saharan African country.
- The innovation must be an engineering innovation with a strong potential to be replicated and scaled up.
- It should aim to promote the welfare and economic development of a country or countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Applicants should have developed an early-stage innovation with a strong commercial viability and a realistic business plan.
- A letter of support from a recognized institution (university, research center, etc.) is usually required.
The Selection Process:
The selection process involves a rigorous multi-stage review. It begins with an online application, followed by a shortlisting of promising innovators. These shortlisted candidates then undergo an intensive period of training and mentorship. Finally, a select number of finalists are invited to present their innovations at a showcase event where the winner and runners-up are announced. The judging criteria typically focus on the innovation's potential impact, scalability, commercial viability, and the strength of the team.
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is a powerful platform that not only rewards exceptional engineering talent but also provides the crucial support needed to bring impactful innovations to life. It plays a vital role in fostering a thriving ecosystem for African engineers and entrepreneurs, driving progress and creating a brighter future for the continent.
If you are an African engineer with a groundbreaking solution, keep an eye out for the next application cycle of the Africa Prize and take the opportunity to turn your vision into reality! Visit africaprize.raeng.org.uk to learn more.