Deadline Date: August 13, 2026
Applications are now open for the Milken-Motsepe Prize to support scalable companies using technology to enhance circular economy practices across a variety of industries in Africa.
The prize focuses on Agriculture & Food Systems, Plastics & Packaging, Electronics, Textiles, and Construction & The Built Environment. Participating companies are expected to demonstrate solutions that reduce waste, keep materials in circulation, strengthen value chains, and create measurable environmental and social impact across African markets.
The competition will recognize businesses with strong commercial potential and scalable models that contribute to the circular economy. Companies will be evaluated based on commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact. In addition to funding support, participating companies will gain access to networking opportunities and the chance to pitch their solutions to industry leaders and key decision-makers.
The funding amount includes a total of $2 million in prizes. Ten semifinalists will receive $50,000 each during the first award round. Five finalists will then receive an additional $50,000 each after the pitch event. The winning company will receive the $1 million Grand Prize, while the runner-up will receive $250,000.
To be eligible, companies must have operated continuously for more than two years and demonstrate more than $500,000 in revenue and raised capital. Applicants must also show evidence of institutional, corporate, and/or public-sector partnerships, with solutions currently deployed on the African continent. Companies are additionally required to demonstrate social impact, job creation, and operational readiness to deploy funding exceeding $1 million.
For more information, visit Milken-Motsepe Prize.
