4 Nigerian engineers and 12 others across 5 countries in Africa have been shortlisted for 2019 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. They were nominated as a result of their innovations that provide solutions to problems across sub-Saharan Africa.
The 2019 shortlist for the @RAEngGlobal #AfricaPrize for Engineering Innovation was announced today. Supported by #GCRF, the prize recognises the most promising entrepreneurial engineers from across sub-Saharan Africa: https://t.co/1e4gvxcyEf pic.twitter.com/yrvsZUsqnO
— Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) (@GCRF) November 19, 2018
The 4 Nigerians include:
Professor Dele Sanni (Solution 3-D-3-P Industrial dryer). This is an industrial food dryer that dries grain for livestock feed. It also increases the nutritional value of food stuffs.
Dr Obi Igbokwe (WellNewMe). This is an algorithmic approach to proactively identifying people at risk of contracting non-communicable diseases.
Chukwunonso Arinze (KAOSHI). This is an online platform that exchanges currencies peer-to-peer instead of through banks. It also helps in cutting costs and waiting periods of exchanges.
Elizabeth Kperrun (Zenafri). this is an app that teaches toddlers basic language and numeracy skills in their native tongue.
The four innovators alongside 12 others were selected by London-based Royal Academy of Engineering for this year’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
The shortlisted candidates come from six countries; Nigeria (4), Kenya (6), Gambia(1), South Africa (2), Burkina Faso (1), Uganda (2). Five of the shortlisted engineers are women.
We're proud to present the shortlist for the 2019 #AfricaPrize for Engineering Innovation – 16 talented entrepreneurs set to receive 7 months of training, mentoring, and the chance to win £25,000: https://t.co/R5vpcWQybv pic.twitter.com/jd4zCQ4RaX
— RAEngGlobal (@RAEngGlobal) November 19, 2018
Currently in its 5th year, the prize provides innovators an opportunity to win up to £25,000. It also gives them a chance to develop skills through mentorship and become part of a growing community of talented African engineers working to accelerate socio-economic development through business.
“The shortlist has come to represent the most talented engineers on the continent. Through the Africa Prize, we’ve seen cutting edge technologies and world-firsts develop into businesses that manufacture locally, and drive research and development on the continent. We can’t wait to meet the new group of engineering pioneers,” says Rebecca Enonchong, Africa Prize judge and Cameroonian entrepreneur.
After 7 months’ of mentorship, four finalists would be selected from the 16 man shortlist. The finalists would then be invited to present their businesses to judges in front of a live audience in Kampala, Uganda. A winner would then be selected and awarded £25,000. Three runners-up would also be selected to receive £10,000 each.
The Prize, which was first launched in 2014, aims to stimulate, celebrate and reward innovative engineers from across the continent. A Nigerian engineer was finalist at this year’s Africa Prize, and the 2017 prize was was won by a Nigerian tutoring startup, Tuteria.
