Royal Academy of Engineering to Host 10th Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation Final in Nairobi

By Samuel Ouma

The Royal Academy of Engineering will host the 10th Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation final on June 13, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Four finalists were chosen from an initial shortlist of 16 innovators working on sustainable, scalable engineering solutions to present their innovations to the judges in front of both a live and online audience.

The 2024 finalists include Esther Kimani from Kenya, with a solar-powered tool utilizing AI and machine learning to detect agricultural pests and diseases, reducing crop losses and increasing yields.

Next is Kevin Maina, also from Kenya, with Eco Tiles, environmentally friendly roofing materials made from recycled plastic. Rory Assandey, from Côte d'Ivoire, has La Ruche Health, a smart healthcare platform that provides direct access to vital healthcare information via WhatsApp. Martin Tumusiime, from Uganda, has Yo-Waste, a location-based mobile app for on-demand rubbish collection and disposal.

These innovations aim to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger, good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, reduced inequalities, and climate action.

The winner will receive £50,000, while the remaining three finalists will each receive £15,000. In addition, a £5,000 'One to Watch' prize, named after Ghanaian Martin Bruce, co-founder of Young at Heart, will be awarded to a member of the shortlist chosen by audience vote. The other shortlisted innovators will present their solutions and compete for this prize.

The awards are part of the Royal Academy of Engineering's more than £1 million investment in African innovators during the Africa Prize's tenth anniversary.

The final event will be held at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences in Nairobi. Approximately 100 Africa Prize alumni from 20 countries are expected to attend.

The judges are Malcolm Brinded CBE FREng (Chair of Judges), Dr. Ibilola Amao, Rebecca Enonchong FREng, Dr. John Lazar CBE FREng, Sewu-Steve Tawia, and guest judge Sheena Raikundalia.

Since 2014, the Africa Prize has supported nearly 150 entrepreneurs in 23 African countries, creating over 28,000 jobs and benefiting over ten million people.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation will be open for entries on June 13, 2024. Individuals and small teams from Sub-Saharan Africa with scalable engineering innovations are encouraged to apply.