If you’re an engineer in sub-Saharan Africa with a smart solution to a local problem, here’s your chance to shine.
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is the continent’s biggest award dedicated to supporting and scaling up engineering innovations.
Beyond just recognition, it offers the kind of hands-on support that helps great ideas grow into real businesses.
The goal? To highlight how engineering can boost quality of life and economic development across Africa — and to back the people making that happen.
Who Can Apply
Before you get too excited, let’s talk eligibility. Here’s who can throw their hat in the ring:
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You can apply alone or as part of a team.
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The main applicant must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country. If you’re in a team, the lead person (who will join the training) must meet this requirement.
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You should currently live in sub-Saharan Africa, or only be temporarily abroad for studies or a short-term commitment.
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You must be 18 or older by the application deadline (September 23, 2025). There’s no upper age limit!
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Fluency in English is a must, since the programme is entirely in English.
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You cannot apply if you’ve already been part of the Africa Prize programme, either as an individual or part of a team/business that was previously selected.
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Employees of industrial research institutions are not eligible.
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If you’ve taken part in the Academy’s Advance programme or joined the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) after June 2024, you’re not eligible.
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But if you were in LIF before that and can prove how the Africa Prize would still help you, you might still qualify.
What You’ll Get If You’re Shortlisted
Up to 16 innovators will be shortlisted — and here’s what they’ll walk away with:
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An eight-month, customised training programme to develop your business skills.
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Two fully-funded training weeks — one in the UK and one in a major African city.
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Access to top-tier business and engineering mentors, plus sector-specific support.
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Professional press and communications support to help you tell your story.
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Entry into a strong network of engineers and business leaders in the UK and Africa.
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A chance to pitch your innovation to a panel of judges at the final showcase event.
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And of course — a cash prize of up to £50,000 for the top innovations.
The Application Process
There are two key stages to applying, and here’s how it works:
Stage One: Tell Us the Basics
This is your intro round. You’ll share who you are, what your innovation is about, and why it matters.
It should take about 90 minutes to fill out.
Your submission will be reviewed by two technical experts, who’ll look at how viable and innovative your idea is.
If you score high, you’ll be invited to stage two in late October 2025.
Stage Two: Dive Deeper
Now it’s time to get serious. You’ll provide a full business plan, do a market analysis, show your financial forecasts, and explain how you plan to commercialise your innovation.
This second stage is for longlisted candidates only.
A panel of expert judges will review your application and make the final shortlist for the eight-month programme.
Ready to Apply?
If all of this sounds like the right next step for your innovation journey, then don’t wait too long.
Applications close on September 23, 2025.