Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027

Accelerating business growth for African engineering start ups

The 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is open for applications. Apply by Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 4.00pm UCT+1 to be considered.

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 180
businesses across 24 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.

The Africa Prize is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs from sub-Saharan Africa who have developed an engineering-based solution to address local sustainable development challenges. Applications from both engineers and non-engineers are welcome. Innovations must be in the early stages of commercialisation and have strong potential to be replicated or scaled up.

African innovations funded by the Africa Prize

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:

• Eight month tailored training programme.
• Two fully-funded training weeks: one in the UK and one in a major African city.
• Access to business and technical expertise and sector-specific engineering mentoring.
• Bespoke press coverage and communications support.
• 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 pot of £85,000 available, with prizes ranging from £5,000 to
  £50,000.

How to apply

The programme uses a two-stage application process. Please read the Guidance Notes thoroughly for more information on the programme, eligibility and advice on answering the application questions.

Join an Africa Prize information session

Click on the information session you are interested in below to register to attend.

Thursday 23 July  2026, 11:00–12:00 UCT+1 (in English and French)

Wednesday 12 August  2026, 13:00–14:00 UCT+1

Tuesday 25 August  2026, 11:00-12:00 UCT+1