16 Innovators Shortlisted for 2026 Africa Prize

16 Innovators Shortlisted for the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

The Royal Academy of Engineering has announced the 16 innovators shortlisted for the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. This prestigious award, which is part-funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, stands as the largest prize on the continent dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and rewarding engineering innovation and entrepreneurship across sub-Saharan Africa.

The shortlisted innovators will embark on an eight-month programme that includes training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The final event, where the winner will be announced, is scheduled for October 2026. This year’s shortlist features innovators from 11 African countries, showcasing a wide array of solutions addressing critical challenges in healthcare, education, transport, and sustainability.

Diverse Range of Innovations

The innovations featured on this year’s shortlist span various sectors, including AI-powered tools for maternal and cardiac health, mobile dialysis technologies, digital education platforms for biomedical and coding skills, and smart public transport systems. Other notable solutions include renewable energy systems for off-grid communities, smart agritech platforms, low-cost clean water supply systems, and waste management technologies.

Rebecca Enonchong FREng, Chair of the Africa Prize judging panel, highlighted the significance of the shortlist:

“It’s incredibly rewarding to welcome talented innovators from so many different countries into the Africa Prize community this year. The 2026 shortlist is representative of the diverse range of local engineering solutions and businesses that are developing across the continent and their ability to address crucial challenges in healthcare, education, transport and sustainability. We look forward to supporting these entrepreneurs to scale up their impact and benefit local communities.”

Elly Savatia, the 2025 Africa Prize winner, shared his experience with the programme:

“Winning the Africa Prize last year marked a major milestone for us at Signvrse. Through the APEI programme, we strengthened both the engineering behind Terp360 and the business behind our work, developing a robust, investor-ready business model while refining our technology roadmap. The Prize also connected us with partners and advisors who helped us build the infrastructure needed to make communication accessible for diverse Deaf communities. I look forward to seeing how the new shortlist of innovators enhance their own business journeys by participating in the programme.”

Innovations from Across Africa

The shortlisted innovators come from Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. Each of them has been selected for their innovative solutions to pressing environmental, educational, and health challenges in their communities.

Notable Innovations

• Fusion Wind Turbine – Created by Johannes Amo-Aye in Ghana, this hybrid wind and solar microgrid system delivers reliable, clean electricity to off-grid communities.
• MoyoECG – Developed by medical doctor Alice Muhuhu in Kenya, this AI-powered wearable electrocardiogram device enables rural clinics to deliver hospital-grade cardiac screening without internet access or mains electricity.
• Renal Roads – Designed by Naom Monari in Kenya, this mobile dialysis unit brings hospital-grade kidney care directly to rural communities.
• Automated Vermicomposting Device – By Royford Mutegi from Kenya, this solar-powered solution converts food waste into pest-resistant fertiliser pellets.
• Farmflex – An AI-enabled smart farming platform by Mochesane Mpali in Lesotho, helping smallholders grow more food with less water.
• Malawi Drop – A low-cost, refillable household water treatment device by Tadala Mtimuni from Malawi.
• Likita Care – Created by Mamane Kabirou in Niger, this locally manufactured monitoring kit combines vital signs, cardiac, and prenatal monitoring with offline AI decision support.
• Efiwe – A mobile-first coding platform developed by Chidi Nwaogu in Nigeria, enabling young people to learn web development with AI support.
• Just Add Water – Quantum and AI-optimised regenerative fuel cell technology by Derick Nwasor from Nigeria.
• HarakaPlus – A smart mobility platform created by Millicent Kariuki in Rwanda.
• Peecycling – Transforms human urine into safe liquid fertiliser and reusable water by Dyllon Randall in South Africa.
• LabZero – A virtual tissue culture lab designed by Sincengile Ntshingila in South Africa.
• Jangalma – An AI-powered education platform by Moustapha Diop in Senegal.
• ZaidiApp – An eco-fintech platform by Allen Kimambo from Tanzania.
• WaterBank – A solar-powered, self-running water utility by Faith Kuya in Tanzania.
• DawaMom – An AI-enabled maternal and reproductive health platform by Tafadzwa Kalisto in Zambia.

Programme and Awards

Shortlisted innovators will take part in an eight-month training programme focused on core business skills, including financial management and market analysis. They will also receive expert mentoring and access to the Academy’s extensive network of engineers and business leaders.

The judges will select four finalists who will pitch their ideas at the live final event in Johannesburg in October 2026. The winner will receive £50,000, while the three runners-up will each be awarded £10,000. Additionally, the audience will select the winner of the ‘One-to-Watch’ award, worth £5,000.

All shortlisted candidates will join the Africa Prize alumni community of over 160 innovators, gaining access to exclusive funding, development, and ongoing support opportunities. Since 2014, the alumni have introduced nearly 700 products and services to the market in over 40 countries across five continents.

Applications for the next Africa Prize shortlist will open in mid-July and close in mid-September 2026.