Deadline Date: September 08, 2026
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation awards commercialisation support and prize funding to ambitious entrepreneurs from sub-Saharan Africa developing scalable engineering solutions to local challenges.
Launched in 2014, the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is the continent’s largest award dedicated to supporting the commercialisation of engineering solutions that address local sustainable development challenges. Over its history, the Prize has supported more than 180 businesses from 24 countries, helping innovators to scale their impact and contribute to economic development across Africa.
Each year, up to 16 shortlisted African innovators receive an eight-month tailored training programme, which includes expert sessions, one-on-one financial modelling coaching, business support, in-person training weeks, and sector-specific engineering mentoring from the Academy’s network in the UK and Africa. Participants also benefit from bespoke press coverage, communications support, and the opportunity to present their innovations at a showcase event in a major African city.
The total prize pot is £85,000, with one winner receiving £50,000, three runners-up each awarded £10,000, and an additional £5,000 prize for a shortlist member selected by audience vote. Prize money is specifically intended to help scale the applicant’s innovation and expand its impact. All reasonable costs to attend and participate in programme activities are covered.
The training period runs from February to November 2027, requiring significant time commitment from participants. The programme is structured to strengthen business plans, enhance pitching skills, and further develop the innovation, culminating in a final event where all shortlisted applicants pitch to judges and an audience.
Eligible applicants must be citizens of a sub-Saharan African country, ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa, and over 18 years old by the application deadline. Both individuals and teams may apply, but the lead applicant must hold at least 50 percent equity in the venture if there are co-founders outside the region. Applicants must have a high level of English proficiency, and previous Africa Prize alumni or those from certain other Academy programmes are not eligible.
For more information, visit Royal Academy of Engineering.
