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.
Applications for the 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation are now open.
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 money of up to £50,000.
Accelerating business growth for African engineering start ups
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 165 businesses across 22 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.
Africa Prize application process
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 follows a two-stage application process. The first stage is open to all eligible applicants, while only longlisted innovations are invited to submit the second stage of their application. Register to attend an online information session using the links below.