A Ghanaian engineer who has built a hybrid wind and solar power system for off-grid communities is among 16 innovators shortlisted for the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, Africa’s largest engineering award, run by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng).
Johannes Amo-Aye’s invention, Fusion Wind Turbine, combines wind and solar microgrids to deliver reliable clean electricity to communities without grid access while reducing dependence on diesel generators. His inclusion marks Ghana’s continued presence in one of Africa’s most competitive engineering programmes, following Frank Owusu’s recognition at the 2025 final in Dakar, Senegal.
This year’s shortlist draws from 11 African countries, with innovators working across healthcare, education, clean energy, transport, and agriculture. Lesotho and Niger have innovators shortlisted for the first time, following a record number of applications received from more than 30 countries.
The full cohort spans Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. Notable innovations include MoyoECG, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered wearable cardiac screening device developed by Kenyan medical doctor Alice Muhuhu for rural clinics operating without internet or mains electricity; Renal Roads, a mobile dialysis unit designed by Naom Monari in Kenya to bring kidney care to rural patients; and DawaMom, an AI-enabled maternal health platform created by Tafadzwa Kalisto in Zambia that delivers guidance in local languages alongside clinic-based diagnostics and referrals.
The shortlisted innovators will take part in a structured programme designed to strengthen both their technology and business models, covering financial management, market analysis, and growth strategy, as well as technical mentoring and access to industry experts.
The programme’s panel of judges will select four finalists who will pitch to win the 2026 Africa Prize at a live final event in Johannesburg in October. The winner will receive £50,000, while the three runners-up will each be awarded £10,000. An additional £5,000 One-to-Watch award will go to the most impactful pitch as chosen by the audience.
Rebecca Enonchong, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) and Chair of the judging panel, said the 2026 shortlist reflects the diverse range of local engineering solutions developing across the continent and their ability to address crucial challenges in healthcare, education, transport, and sustainability.
Since its launch in 2014, the Africa Prize has supported 165 businesses from 22 countries. Alumni of the programme have raised 39 million United States dollars in grants and equity, with 71 percent of participants currently generating revenue from their innovations.
Applications for the next Africa Prize cycle open in mid-July and close in mid-September 2026.
