Four African entrepreneurs have been named finalists for the 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, a recognition that shines a light on solutions with the power to change lives across the continent. Their innovations address challenges in healthcare, accessibility, agriculture and energy, showing how technology can bring inclusive growth to local communities.
The Africa Prize, run by the Royal Academy of Engineering and partly funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, is the continent’s largest award dedicated to supporting engineering innovation. Since 2014 it has provided training, mentoring and global networks to entrepreneurs who are building businesses that tackle pressing challenges. More than 165 businesses from 22 countries have been supported and over 70% of alumni now generate revenue, together securing £25 million in funding.
The 2025 finalists are preparing to pitch their innovations at the Live Final in Dakar, Senegal, on 16 October, where they will compete for £50,000 in prize money to scale their impact.
Life-Changing Innovations Across Africa
This year’s finalists represent three countries, each bringing a solution that responds directly to local needs.
From Uganda, biomedical engineer Vivian Arinaitwe developed Neo Nest, a portable neonatal warming and monitoring device. It prevents hypothermia in newborns being transferred from rural health facilities to referral hospitals. Acting as a makeshift incubator, Neo Nest generates regulated heat while monitoring vital signs. It features an adjustable ring and secure straps to keep babies safe during transfers, with LED indicators and alarms for real-time alerts. Since joining the programme, Vivian has secured partnerships with health facilities in Uganda and was recognised at the African Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards 2025.
Kenyan entrepreneur Elly Savatia created Terp 360, an app that supports deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. The tool uses AI and 3D avatars to translate speech into sign language with lifelike motion. By recording more than 2,300 signs in collaboration with deaf Kenyans, Elly’s team ensured the platform is accurate, relatable and culturally relevant. The app tackles the shortage of interpreters, opening access to classrooms and public services. Terp 360 has already secured a Google.org grant and established a presence in Rwanda through Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering.
From Ghana, Frank Owusu developed Aquamet, a smart device that monitors water quality in fisheries. By tracking pH, dissolved oxygen and water temperature, it sends real-time alerts to farmers’ phones and provides guidance to reduce fish mortality. Farmers using the device have reported yield increases of 10–15%, compared to typical losses of up to 45%. Beyond monitoring, the platform connects farmers with extension services and markets. Since being shortlisted, Frank has signed distribution deals across West Africa and partnered with organisations including the British High Commission and Ghana’s Fish for Development Project.
Kenyan engineer Eng. Carol Ofafa founded E-Safiri, a solar-powered battery swapping and charging service for electric bicycles and motorbikes. The solution addresses the lack of home charging infrastructure in rural areas, offering convenient hubs powered by clean energy. Each hub doubles as a power source for households without electricity, extending benefits beyond mobility. IoT-enabled batteries allow proactive maintenance and a central dashboard improves efficiency. Carol has since been recognised among Business Daily’s Top 40 under 40 Women and Africa’s Energy Heroes 2025, while also securing new funding and contracts with renewable energy partners.
Beyond the Prize: Building Capacity for Growth
The Africa Prize finalists were selected from a pool of 16 innovators who took part in an eight-month training programme. This support included training in financial modelling, market analysis and product development. They also had access to mentors, business experts and the Academy’s international network of engineers and industry leaders.
This model of support has proven effective in turning promising ideas into scalable businesses. For many, the prize is not only about recognition but also about gaining the knowledge and networks to grow. Past participants have gone on to raise millions in funding and expand into new markets, with many building enterprises that employ people locally and contribute to sustainable growth.
This year’s final, hosted at Noom Hotel Dakar Sea Plaza, will also mark a milestone. It is the first time the event is being held in a Francophone country, a step that highlights the Prize’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of innovation across diverse regions of Africa. TV presenter Merry Beye will host the event, with a keynote speech from Claudia Senghor, founder of Agrobabe.
Rebecca Enonchong, Chair of the Africa Prize judging panel, emphasised the importance of this year’s group: “Our four finalists illustrate the power of engineering and technology to improve lives through innovation in so many crucial sectors, including neonatal healthcare, enhanced sign language translation, sustainable agriculture, energy and transport for rural communities.”
Looking Ahead: Applications for 2026
The Africa Prize is not only celebrating the 2025 finalists but is already preparing for the next generation of innovators. Applications for the 2026 prize opened in July and will close on 23 September 2025. For the first time, the application process has been redesigned into two stages, making it simpler for entrepreneurs to apply and for reviewers to evaluate submissions.
For African innovators working to solve challenges in healthcare, agriculture, energy or accessibility, the Africa Prize offers more than funding. It is a platform to gain the skills, networks and visibility needed to transform local solutions into ventures with global reach.
As this year’s finalists head to Dakar, their stories show what is possible when innovation meets opportunity. Whether it is keeping newborns safe, breaking barriers in communication, enabling sustainable fish farming or powering rural transport, these entrepreneurs are setting a blueprint for Africa’s future.
