Innovators from sub-Saharan Africa using engineering to solve local challenges are invited to apply for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2026, organised by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Recognised as Africa’s largest prize dedicated to engineering innovation, the programme supports ambitious entrepreneurs whose technologies have the potential to improve lives and scale across the continent.
Up to 16 innovators will be selected for an eight-month business acceleration programme, with finalists competing for prize funding of up to £50,000.
About the Prize
The Africa Prize is designed to help engineering innovators move from early commercialisation toward sustainable growth and wider market adoption. Rather than focusing only on the final award, the programme provides intensive business support, technical mentoring, and international exposure throughout the acceleration journey.
Selected participants receive tailored training, access to experienced mentors, communications support, and connections to a network of engineers, investors, and business leaders across Africa and the United Kingdom.
At the end of the programme, four finalists will pitch their innovations at a live showcase event in Africa for the chance to win the top prize.
What Selected Innovators Receive
Up to 16 shortlisted participants will receive:
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An eight-month tailored business training programme
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Two fully funded training weeks: one in the UK and one in a major African city
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Access to business and technical expertise
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Sector-specific engineering mentoring
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Bespoke communications and media support
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Connections to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s network in Africa and the UK
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Opportunity to pitch at the Africa Prize showcase event
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Prize funding of up to £50,000
Who Can Apply
Applicants may apply as individuals or on behalf of teams.
The lead applicant must:
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Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country
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Be ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have sufficient English proficiency to participate fully in the programme
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Submit the application in English
Applications from both engineers and non-engineers are welcome.
Innovation Requirements
Eligible innovations must:
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Be based in sub-Saharan Africa
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Be beyond the ideation stage and in the early stages of commercialisation
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Deliver social and/or environmental benefits
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Show strong potential for replication and scale
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Be supported by a realistic and commercially viable business plan
Innovations may be entirely new technologies or adaptations of existing technologies applied to new markets.