The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is Africa’s biggest prize dedicated to engineering innovation. The Prize awards commercialisation support to African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions to local challenges. These innovations show the importance of engineering in improving quality of life and economic development.
When is the Application Deadline:
23rd September 2025
🏆 Tell Me About The Award:
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is Africa’s largest award supporting scalable engineering solutions to local challenges. It offers up to £50,000 in prize money, a fully-funded training program in the UK and Africa, and eight months of business and engineering mentoring. Founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the prize helps innovators turn prototypes into impactful businesses.
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📚 Which Fields are Eligible?
Any engineering-based innovation that addresses social or environmental challenges. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Renewable Energy
- Health Tech
- AgriTech
- Waste Management
- Water & Sanitation
- Transport & Mobility
- Digital/Smart Solutions
📝 Type:
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Prize Program
(Includes mentorship, training, and funding)
👥 Who can Apply?
- Individuals or teams led by a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country
- Must be ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa
- Must be 18 years or older by the deadline
- Must not have previously participated in the Africa Prize
- Must have high English proficiency
- Must not be affiliated with large industrial research institutions or recent alumni of certain RAEng programs (check guidance notes)
⚙️ How are Applicants Selected?
Two-stage application process:
Stage One: Focuses on technical innovation, eligibility, and team. Reviewed by expert engineers.
Stage Two: For longlisted applicants only — involves business plans, financials, and commercialization strategy. Top candidates are selected for the 8-month training.
Finalists pitch their innovation at the Africa Prize showcase for a chance to win up to £50,000.
🌍 Which Countries Are Eligible?
All sub-Saharan African countries
📍 Where will the Award be Taken?
- Online (8-month training)
- In-person residential training in the UK and a major African city
🔢 How Many Awards?
- 16 innovators are shortlisted for the program
- Finalists compete for £50,000 (winner) and additional prizes for runners-up
🎁 What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Fully-funded UK and Africa training weeks
- 8-month intensive business and engineering mentoring
- Access to expert engineers and business leaders
- International media exposure and communications support
- Up to £50,000 prize
- Access to the RAEng global network
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
8 months, including training, mentoring, and business support. Ends with the Africa Prize final showcase event.
📝 How to Apply:
- Register and apply online via the Royal Academy of Engineering Grant System
- Complete Stage One application (approx. 90 mins)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete Stage Two in October 2025
🔗 Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 Apply Here
📩 Questions? Email: africaprize@raeng.org.uk
📘 Africa Prize 2026 Guidance Notes – PDF
