Innovation is Africa’s greatest untold story, and the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is one of the premier platforms designed to bring that story to life. Hosted by the Royal Academy of Engineering, this prize supports engineers across the continent who are solving real challenges with technology and entrepreneurship.
What Is the Africa Prize?
The Africa Prize is a two-stage competition that discovers, supports, and accelerates engineering innovations with the power to scale. The program nurtures ideas from concept to commercialization, connecting innovators with mentorship, funding, networks, and visibility.
Key Application Info
- Deadline: Tuesday, 23 September 2025, 4pm UTC+1
- Languages: You can apply in English or French
- Qualification: Applicants should be innovators with engineering solutions that are viable and impactful
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Process:
1. Stage One — Provide an overview of your team and innovation (takes about 90 minutes to complete).
2. Stage Two — Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed application including a business plan, market strategy, and financial projections.
Why Apply?
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Access Mentorship & Resources
Successful applicants enter an 8-month program that supports them in refining their innovation and making it market-ready. -
Raise Your Profile
Being shortlisted or winning can boost your visibility, credibility, and network — opening doors to funding and partnerships. -
Scale Impact
This isn’t just about prototypes. The Africa Prize is designed to help your innovation move from the lab (or small scale) into real-world, sustainable applications across communities. -
Join a Community
Alumni join the Awardee Excellence Community, a network of engineers, innovators, and influencers shaping Africa’s future.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Be clear & precise — Use data and evidence to show your innovation’s viability.
- Show impact — Who benefits? How many? What changes?
- Thoughtful business model — Explain how your solution can be sustained financially.
- Leverage mentorship opportunities — Show how you will use support from the prize program.
- Attend Q&A webinars — The organizers host online sessions to answer questions and support applicants.
This is more than a competition; it’s a chance to position your engineering solution as part of Africa’s future. If you’re doing work that’s bold, connected, and transformative, don’t miss this opportunity.
Apply now and help shape Africa’s tomorrow.
Start here
