2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, inviting innovators from sub-Saharan Africa to compete for one of the continent’s most prestigious awards supporting engineering-driven entrepreneurship.
The annual competition is open to entrepreneurs developing scalable engineering solutions that address pressing social, environmental and economic challenges across Africa.
Successful applicants will compete for a share of £85,000 in prize funding, including a £50,000 grand prize for the overall winner.
Funding, Mentorship and Business Support
Beyond financial awards, the Africa Prize provides finalists with an eight-month commercialization program designed to help innovators transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses.
Each year, 16 innovators are selected to receive tailored mentoring, technical training, business development support and access to a global network of industry experts and investors.
The program aims to strengthen African innovation by helping entrepreneurs refine their products, scale their businesses and attract investment.
Driving Engineering Innovation Across Africa
Since its launch, the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation has supported more than 180 businesses across 24 African countries, with alumni collectively securing more than US$34 million in investment and grant funding.
Previous winners and finalists have developed solutions spanning artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, renewable energy, smart mobility, agriculture, water security and climate resilience.
Among the program’s notable alumni are Uganda’s YUNGA security network, South Africa’s Pelebox medicine-dispensing lockers, and Senegal’s I3S agricultural storage system, all of which have expanded access to essential services through engineering innovation.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation opened on 13 July and will close on 8 September.
Successful applicants will advance to the next stage of the competition, where they will join the 2027 cohort and receive mentorship, business training and opportunities to showcase their innovations on an international stage.
The programme continues to play a key role in nurturing Africa’s next generation of engineering entrepreneurs by supporting technologies that deliver lasting social impact while creating sustainable businesses across the continent.
