Introduction
Engineering has always been at the heart of solving Africa’s biggest challenges—from energy access to healthcare, agriculture, waste management, and transportation. Recognizing this, the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) established the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, now the largest engineering award in Africa.
For the 2026 edition, African innovators will once again have the chance to compete for up to £50,000 in prize money, alongside world-class training, mentoring, and international exposure. The program helps innovators transform their prototypes into impactful, scalable businesses that improve lives across the continent.
Applications are currently open, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Application Deadline
📅 23rd September 2025
Since applications are highly competitive and reviewed in multiple stages, interested innovators are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
About the Africa Prize
Launched in 2014 by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is designed to support ambitious engineers and entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa.
The program focuses on:
- Innovation development – turning early-stage engineering solutions into market-ready businesses.
- Commercialization support – business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Impact creation – addressing social and environmental challenges while contributing to economic development.
Over the years, the Africa Prize has supported more than 100 innovators across the continent, many of whom have gone on to secure funding, scale their businesses, and create jobs.
Eligible Fields of Innovation
The prize is open to any engineering-driven solution that addresses African challenges. Examples include:
- Renewable Energy
- Health Technology (MedTech, Digital Health)
- Agriculture and AgriTech
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Water and Sanitation
- Transport and Mobility Solutions
- Smart/Digital Engineering Solutions
If your innovation solves a pressing problem using engineering principles, you are encouraged to apply.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an individual or team led by a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Be ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Be at least 18 years old by the application deadline.
- Must not have previously participated in the Africa Prize.
- Must have high proficiency in English (training and mentorship are delivered in English).
- Must not be affiliated with large industrial research institutions or be a recent graduate of other RAEng programs (see official guidance notes for full list).
Selection Process
The Africa Prize uses a two-stage application system:
Stage One – Application Review
- Focuses on eligibility, technical strength of the innovation, and the capacity of the team.
- Reviewed by a panel of expert engineers and business leaders.
Stage Two – Shortlisted Candidates
- Longlisted applicants are invited to provide detailed business plans, financial models, and commercialization strategies.
- 16 innovators are selected for the program.
- At the end of the 8-month training program, finalists pitch their solutions at the Africa Prize showcase event, where the winner receives £50,000 and runners-up also receive smaller cash prizes.
Eligible Countries
All sub-Saharan African countries are eligible.
Where Will the Program Take Place?
The program is a hybrid model, including:
- Virtual training and mentoring (8 months)
- Residential training sessions in the UK and in a major African city
- Final showcase event where winners are announced
Number of Awards
- 16 innovators will be shortlisted for the program.
- 1 overall winner receives £50,000.
- Additional cash prizes for runners-up.
Benefits of the Africa Prize
Winners and participants receive far more than just funding. Benefits include:
- Up to £50,000 in prize money (for the winner)
- Fully-funded training in the UK and Africa
- 8 months of personalized mentoring from engineers and business experts
- Networking opportunities with global investors, researchers, and policymakers
- Media exposure through international press and communications support
- Membership in the RAEng global network of innovators
Duration of the Program
⏳ 8 months, covering training, mentorship, business development support, and culminating in the Africa Prize showcase event.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the Royal Academy of Engineering Grants System (official portal).
- Create an account and complete the Stage One application (approx. 90 minutes).
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to submit additional materials for Stage Two in October 2025.
- Finalists will be selected and notified thereafter.
📩 For inquiries: africaprize@raeng.org.uk
🔗 Click here to visit the official award webpage (use official portal for applications).
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 23rd September 2025
- Stage Two Applications: October 2025
- Program Duration: 8 months
- Final Showcase & Winner Announcement: Mid-2026
Conclusion
The Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a platform for African engineers to gain world-class training, global exposure, and the resources needed to scale their innovations.
If you’re working on an engineering-based solution that tackles Africa’s challenges, this is your chance to gain international recognition and up to £50,000 in support.
Don’t wait until the last minute—start preparing your application today!
