About this opportunity
- The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is Africa's biggest prize dedicated to engineering innovation. Applications are now open.
- The Offer
- Grand prize of £50,000 GBP (about $65,000 USD) non-dilutive, equity-free grant funding
- 8-month business incubation with 1-on-1 expert engineering mentorship
- 2 fully-funded training weeks, one in the UK and one in a major African city
- Bespoke international communications and global showcase opportunities
- Plus £85,000 of prize money awarded annually across finalists, with 181 businesses supported since launch and $34 million raised by alumni in grants and equity. 71 percent of alumni now generating revenue.
Eligibility
- Citizens of sub-Saharan African countries, aged 18 and above
- Open to engineers and non-engineers building hardware or software
- Must have an early-stage product, a working prototype or minimum viable product with early user traction
- Ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa (temporary overseas residence for study is permitted)
- Can apply as an individual or on behalf of a team
Funding Details
Up to £50,000 GBP equity-free, non-dilutive grant for the grand prize winner. Additional finalist prizes make up £85,000 awarded annually.
Programme Details
An 8-month programme with expert mentorship, business training and commercialisation support. Two residential training weeks fully funded, one in the UK and one in an African city.
International profile building and showcase at the Africa Prize final.
Application steps
The Africa Prize follows a two-stage
Application steps
- Stage one is open to all eligible applicants and takes about 90 minutes to complete. You will describe your innovation, team, technical documentation, images and videos. Two technical experts assess technological viability and credibility. Longlisted candidates are invited to stage two, which covers business plan, market analysis, financial projections and commercialisation strategy and is reviewed by expert judges. Apply by Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC+1.
- Read the 2027 Africa Prize Application Guidance Notes (PDF, 2 MB) at https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/media/t1tnlfdj/2027-africa-prize-application-guidance-notes.pdf
- Register for an information session (12 August 2026 13:00-14:00 UTC+1 or 25 August 2026 11:00-12:00 UTC+1)
- Access the Grant Management System and select Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2026/2027 Stage 1 to begin your application before the
Application timeline
4. Contact africaprize@raeng.
org. uk if you have questions
Application timeline
Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC+1 (which is 15:00 UTC). Eligible applications reviewed by two technical experts, longlist invited to stage two, finalists join the eight-month programme.
Important Notes
Applications must describe a scalable engineering solution to a local challenge. Innovations showing importance of engineering in improving quality of life and economic development are prioritised. The Prize awards commercialisation support, not just cash.
FAQs
Do I need to be an engineer to apply?
No. The prize is open to engineers and non-engineers building hardware or software.
Can a team apply?
Yes, you can apply as an individual or on behalf of a team.
What stage must my product be at?
You must have an early-stage product, a working prototype or minimum viable product with early user traction.
Where can I find the guidance notes?
At https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/media/t1tnlfdj/2027-africa-prize-application-guidance-notes.pdf
What you receive
- Grand prize £50,000 GBP (about $65,000 USD) equity-free grant
- 8-month business incubation with 1-on-1 expert engineering mentorship
- 2 fully-funded training weeks, one in the UK and one in a major African city
- Bespoke international communications and global showcase opportunities
Who can apply
- Citizen of a sub-Saharan African country, aged 18 and above, ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa
- Open to engineers and non-engineers building hardware or software
- Must have an early-stage product: working prototype or minimum viable product with early user traction
- Can apply as individual or on behalf of a team
Documents to prepare
- Technical documentation, images and videos showcasing innovation
- Supporting documents for Stage 1, plus business plan, market analysis, financial projections for Stage 2 if longlisted
How to apply
- Read the 2027 Application Guidance Notes at https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/media/t1tnlfdj/2027-africa-prize-application-guidance-notes.pdf
- Register for an information session if you want (12 or 25 August 2026)
- Access the Grant Management System, select Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2026/2027 Stage 1 and submit by 8 September 2026 4:00 PM UTC+1
- Longlisted applicants complete Stage 2 business plan and commercialisation strategy
Selection process
- Stage 1 reviewed by two technical experts for technological viability and credibility
- Longlist with highest scores invited to Stage 2
- Stage 2 reviewed by panel of expert judges
- Shortlisted finalists join 8-month programme
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Do I need to be an engineer to apply?
No, open to engineers and non-engineers building hardware or software.
Can a team apply?
Yes, as an individual or on behalf of a team.
What stage must my product be at?
Working prototype or minimum viable product with early user traction.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
