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Support, funding and opportunities for African entrepreneurs

The Africa Prize offers a unique benefits package for up to 16 shortlisted participants to help accelerate their business including: 

  • Access to business and technical expertise and sector-specific engineering mentoring.
  • Bespoke press coverage and communications support.
  • Eight month tailored training programme.
  • Access to the Academy’s network of high-profile engineers and business experts in the UK and Africa.
  • The opportunity for finalists to present their innovation to a judging panel at the Africa Prize showcase event.
  • Prize money of up to £25,000.

Accelerating business growth for African engineering start ups

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation was launched in March 2014 to stimulate, celebrate and reward innovation and entrepreneurship across sub-Saharan Africa. 

Since then it has provided invaluable training, mentoring and communications support to 149 businesses across 23 countries. It also has an established alumni programme with 71% of Africa Prize alumni currently generating revenue. Our alumni have also raised $39 million in grants and equity.

African innovations funded by the Africa Prize

African innovators network creating a sustainable society for all

The Academy’s network of African entrepreneurs, researchers and institutions work across different sectors improving sustainability, generating employment and progressing technology. The guide below outlines the four areas where African innovations are making a difference to their communities.

Read our guide on sustainable innovation in Africa

 

Our supporters 

The Africa Prize is generously supported by:

With thanks to our Community partners:

  • AstraZeneca 

And donors:

  • Mr Malcolm Brinded CBE FREng
  • Mr Nicholas Donofrio FREng
  • Mr Charles Holliday FREng
  • and those who wish to remain anonymous 

If you would like to know more or are interested in being involved please contact the Africa Prize team at the Royal Academy of Engineering.