The Royal Academy of Engineering has opened applications for the 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, providing African innovators with an opportunity to develop, strengthen and commercialise engineering solutions addressing important challenges across the continent.
The prestigious programme is designed to identify and support promising engineering innovators whose technologies have the potential to create significant social and economic impact.
Applications Open for African Engineering Innovators
Applications for the 2027 Africa Prize are now open, with eligible innovators encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Key deadline:
- Application deadline: 8 September 2026
- Time: 4:00 p.m. UCT+1
- Application stage: Stage 1
- Programme: 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
- Provider: Royal Academy of Engineering
The Africa Prize uses a competitive two-stage application process. The first stage is open to eligible applicants, while only the strongest longlisted innovations will progress to the second stage.
Stage One Application Requirements
The first stage is designed to establish whether the applicant and their engineering innovation are suitable for the programme. The application is expected to take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Applicants will be required to provide information covering:
- The technical innovation and engineering solution
- Details about the innovation team
- Basic eligibility information
- Curriculum vitae
- Technical documentation
- Images and videos demonstrating the innovation
- Relevant supporting documentation
Applications will be assessed by two technical experts drawn from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s network. Their assessment will focus particularly on the technological viability and credibility of the proposed engineering solution.
Applicants achieving the highest scores will be longlisted and invited to proceed to Stage Two.
Stage Two Focuses on Commercialisation
The second stage provides a more detailed assessment of the shortlisted innovations. Applicants invited to Stage Two will need to demonstrate the commercial and business potential of their engineering solutions.
The Stage Two application will cover:
- Business planning
- Market analysis
- Financial projections
- Commercialisation strategy
Submissions will subsequently be reviewed by a panel of expert judges. Successful applicants will be shortlisted for the Africa Prize and selected to participate in an eight-month programme designed to help innovators advance their solutions.
Information Sessions for Prospective Applicants
The Africa Prize team is also organising online information sessions to help prospective applicants understand the application process and requirements.
The sessions will provide information about what makes a strong application and give participants an opportunity to ask questions.
Upcoming sessions include:
- 12 August 2026: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. UCT+1
- 25 August 2026: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. UCT+1
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an information session and review the detailed application guidance before submitting their applications.
How to Apply
Applicants should first review the official 2027 Africa Prize Application Guidance Notes, which provide information on eligibility, application requirements, assessment criteria and frequently asked questions.
Once ready, applicants can access the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Grant Management System and select “Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2026/2027 Stage 1” to begin the application.
The deadline is 8 September 2026 at 4:00 p.m. UCT+1. Applications submitted by the deadline will be considered for progression to Stage Two.
Opportunity for High-Potential Innovators
The Africa Prize represents an important opportunity for African engineers and innovators developing technologies with the potential to address pressing challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
By combining technical assessment with business development, market analysis and commercialisation support, the programme seeks to help promising engineering innovations move closer to wider adoption and impact.
Prospective applicants should therefore begin preparing their technical documentation, supporting evidence and innovation information well ahead of the deadline.
