Nigerian innovators Aisha Raheem of Farmz2U and Victor Boyle-Komolafe of Garbage In Value Out (Givo) have been shortlisted for the 2020 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
The 2 Nigerian innovators were among the 16 engineers and entrepreneurs announced by UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) as shortlisted candidates for the prize.
The innovators were shortlisted for developing solutions to local challenges across sub-Saharan Africa.
Aisha Raheem, a strategy consultant, created Farmz2U; a software that helps farmers and families prevent food waste and enhance nutrition by using tech solutions.
Victor Boyle-Komolafe, a chartered accountant, developed Garbage In Value Out (GIVO), which automates and digitises the collection, processing and sale of recyclable materials.
According to the academy, Komolafe and Raheem, along with the 14 other selected innovators will benefit from a unique package of support over the next eight months to help them accelerate their businesses.
The package includes comprehensive and tailored business training, funding, bespoke mentoring, and access to the academy’s network of high-profile, experienced engineers and business experts in the UK and across Africa.
After the 8 months of support, four finalists will be selected to pitch their improved innovation and business plan to the group of judges.
The winner of the pitch will be awarded £25,000 as the winner of the 2020 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation while the runners-up will each be awarded £10,000.
The innovators shortlisted from the award were selected from across six countries and six of them are women.
The other selected innovators are Jack Oyugi, Aquaprotein (Kenya); Charlette N’Guessan, Bace API (Ghana); Catherine Tasankha Chaima, Cathel (Malawi); Adrian Padt, DryMac (SA); Timothy Kayondo, Eco Water Purifier (Uganda); Bernice Dapaah, EcoRide (Ghana).
And Isaac Sesi, GrainMate (Ghana); Josephine Godwyll, Lab and Library on Wheels (Ghana); William Wasswa, PapsAI (Uganda); David Tusubira, Remot (Uganda); Samuel Rigu, Safi Organics (Kenya); Justine Abuga, Solar Jiko (Kenya); Tracy Kimathi, Tree_Sea.mals Mini-Grid (Kenya).
The judges and mentors include Malcolm Brinded, President of Engineering UK, Rebecca Enonchong, AppsTech founder and CEO, Mariéme Jamme, founder SpotOne Global Solutions and co-founder Africa Gathering and John Lazar, angel investor and tech startup mentor.
Currently, in its 6th year, the prize aims to stimulate, celebrate and reward innovative engineers from across the continent. Last year, four Nigerian innovators were shortlisted.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
