The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation have announced the five teams that have reached the finalist stage of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing. This step brings new energy to Africa’s growing innovation space because each finalist will receive an extra 30,000 dollars on top of the 50,000 dollars already awarded at the semifinal stage. The support is designed to help these companies improve their solutions, scale their work and create real impact in their industries and communities. This prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize.
It also gives companies a chance to learn from experts and pitch to leaders who can help them grow.
The five selected teams show how artificial intelligence can unlock new value in waste management, data services, sustainable cooling, electric mobility and circular manufacturing. Their work highlights how African and global innovators are shaping the future of production and jobs.
Sustainable Technology That Solves Real Problems
BleagLee from Cameroon is using AI to turn waste into valuable products. Led by Juveline Ngum Ngwa, the company identifies, collects and converts waste into inputs such as recycled polymers, 3D printing filaments and bio-based carbon materials. The team wants to reduce the environmental damage caused by poor waste disposal and promote new business opportunities built around responsible waste use. Their work involves community cooperation for waste collection, sourcing waste directly, producing bioenergy and building partnerships with industries that can use recycled materials. They also explore new markets for waste-based products and run empowerment programs that help track real economic and social impact.
Digitech Oasis, led by Ayan Mohamed, focuses on helping businesses get more value from data. Since 2020, the company has supported organisations across 63 countries by offering automation, insight tools and AI-powered features. Their goal is to make global industries more efficient. They have built a strong reputation through trust, innovation and long-term investment in talent. Their team manages complex data needs with accuracy and speed. The company also prioritises sustainability by measuring and reducing carbon emissions across its operations.
Freshpack Technologies from Tanzania, led by Editha Mshiu, is tackling the major challenge of post-harvest food loss. For more than five years, the company has been working on affordable cooling solutions for small vendors and informal markets. Their AI-powered cold-storage technology helps sellers preserve food for longer which leads to higher income and less waste. This solution supports farmers, traders and families who depend on stable food supply and fair pricing.
Spiro, based in the UAE and led by Kaushik Burman, is strengthening Africa’s electric mobility sector. In partnership with the Technical University of Kenya, Fleming Technical Institute and India University, Spiro Academy trains young people in EV skills. Their Centre of Excellence offers three key certifications and supports innovation and research in green mobility. The goal is to build a strong workforce for the EV industry, create jobs for disadvantaged groups and encourage more women to enter STEM careers. Spiro is also known for designing affordable and eco-friendly electric transportation that makes clean mobility more accessible.
Toto Safi from Rwanda, led by Faith Waraga, is Africa’s first circular textile manufacturing platform dedicated to mother and baby hygiene products. The company works across Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It transforms informal tailoring cooperatives into women-led microfactories that produce reusable diapers, period wear, nursing pads and other essential products. Sustainability shapes every part of their operation from materials to design. Their mission is to drive a new industrial future for underserved communities by offering clean and circular manufacturing options.
A Competition That Builds Opportunity
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing calls on companies that are already active in strengthening Africa’s production systems. It seeks innovators who use AI and new technologies to improve value chains. “By focusing on AI and manufacturing, this award identifies and supports visionary teams transforming industry with advanced technologies, which has a multiplying effect by creating economic opportunity for communities across Africa,” said Emily Musil, PhD, managing director at the Milken Institute. “From the semi-finalist stage to beyond the prize, we are excited to provide a global platform and network for future-forward entrepreneurs and social impact companies.”
Beyond the prize money, the program gives participants access to high-level networking, expert guidance and the chance to present their solutions to influencers and key decision-makers. The finalists will now prepare their final submissions. The winner will receive 1 million dollars, the runner-up will receive 250,000 dollars and one team will receive 100,000 dollars for the Most Advanced Use of 4IR technologies.
Recently, ten semifinalists showcased their ideas at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit. Now the top five teams will continue to refine their products and business models as they move closer to the final stage.
Now in its fourth year, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program continues to bring together forward-thinking innovators from sectors such as agriculture, health and financial technology. The programme gives entrepreneurs access to capital, technical resources and a strong global network that helps them move their ideas from concept to real impact. Since its launch in 2021, the prize community has grown to more than 12,000 innovators and entrepreneurs representing 136 countries.
