The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) has opened applications for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027, inviting entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa to submit engineering solutions that address local development challenges. Widely regarded as Africa's leading prize for engineering innovation, the competition provides funding, mentorship and business support to help innovators transform promising ideas into commercially viable enterprises. Applications close on September 8, 2026.
Founded in 2014, the Africa Prize seeks to recognize entrepreneurs whose engineering-based innovations have the potential to improve lives while creating sustainable businesses. The program has supported more than 180 businesses across 24 African countries, with alumni collectively raising over US$34 million in grants and investment to scale their ventures.
"The Africa Prize community continues to grow each year, reflecting the depth and diversity of engineering talent across Sub-Saharan Africa."
The 2027 edition will award a total of £85,000 in prize money. The overall winner will receive £50,000, while three finalists will each receive £10,000. An additional £5,000 One-to-Watch Award will be presented to an entrepreneur selected by the live audience during the final competition.
Beyond financial support, shortlisted innovators will participate in an intensive eight-month commercialization program designed to strengthen both their products and businesses. Participants will receive one-on-one mentoring from experienced engineers, investors and business leaders, alongside training in financial management, marketing, communication, leadership and investment readiness.
The competition is open to both individuals and teams developing engineering-based products, technologies or services with clear social or environmental impact. Eligible innovations may come from any engineering discipline, including healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, education, water, transport and digital technology, provided they demonstrate strong potential for growth and scalability.
"The Prize is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs from Sub-Saharan Africa who have developed an engineering-based solution to address local sustainable development challenges."
Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country, be at least 18 years old, and ordinarily reside within the region. The lead applicant must be fluent in English, while innovations should already be in the early stages of commercialization. Hardware innovations are expected to have a working prototype, while software solutions should demonstrate a functional minimum viable product and evidence of user adoption.
The application process consists of two stages. During the first stage, applicants submit details about their innovation, technical documentation, images and supporting materials. Successful candidates will then be invited to complete a second, more detailed application focusing on their business model, financial projections and commercialization strategy. Sixteen innovators will ultimately be selected to join the program before competing in the Africa Prize final.
Over the years, Africa Prize alumni have developed innovations that tackle some of the continent's biggest challenges, including affordable healthcare technologies, clean energy solutions, smart agriculture, waste management and digital services. Many former participants have gone on to secure international investment, expand into new markets and create employment opportunities within their communities.
The 2027 Africa Prize reflects the Royal Academy of Engineering's continued commitment to fostering innovation-led entrepreneurship across Africa. By combining financial support with world-class mentorship and business development, the program aims to empower innovators whose engineering solutions can contribute to sustainable economic growth and improve livelihoods throughout the continent.
Application Details
- Program: Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027
- Organizer: Royal Academy of Engineering
- Application deadline: September 8, 2026
- Prize fund: £85,000
- Top prize: £50,000
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs and innovators from Sub-Saharan Africa with scalable engineering innovations in the early stages of commercialization.