The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation announced the ten finalists who will advance to the semifinalist phase of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing this coming December. The competition is designed to support established companies using AI and advanced technologies to solve manufacturing challenges and open new economic opportunities in Africa. These finalists were selected for their strong operational track records, scalable innovations and commitment to creating jobs and skills. By providing funding and global exposure, the prize aims to help these companies grow and strengthen Africa’s manufacturing landscape.
Strengthening Industrial Growth Through AI
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing is one of the most significant technology-focused competitions on the continent, offering a total of $2 million in prizes. Each of the ten finalists announced will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding to help them refine and expand their innovations ahead of the December semifinalist stage. The prize targets companies that already have at least two years of operations in Africa, Series A or higher traction and clear plans for workforce development and job creation.
These finalists will present their solutions at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit taking place from December 4 to 5, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Their work will be evaluated by judges and investors who will assess commercial viability, technological integration, operational economics and the ability of each solution to scale across African markets. This approach aligns with broader projections showing that AI could add nearly $3 trillion to Africa’s economy between 2024 and 2033, making it one of the most transformative growth drivers for the continent.
From this group of ten, five companies will be selected to move on and compete for the $1 million grand prize at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. Additional awards include $250,000 for the runner-up and $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies. Now in its fourth year, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has built a global community of more than 12,000 innovators from 136 countries. Since its launch in 2021, it has provided capital, mentorship and global visibility to entrepreneurs in agriculture, fintech, manufacturing and other sectors, helping them turn strong ideas into scalable impact.
Meet the Ten Finalists Advancing to the December Semifinals
The ten finalists selected this year represent a diverse group of innovators using AI to reshape manufacturing systems, improve efficiency and strengthen value chains across Africa and beyond.
- BleagLee (Cameroon)
Team Lead: Juveline Ngum Ngwa
A waste management company that uses AI and specialized software to rapidly identify, collect, and convert waste into high-value inputs such as engineered recycled polymers, 3D printing filaments, and bio-based carbon materials. - DataProphet (South Africa)
Team Lead: Ridwaan Seedat
An industrial intelligence technology and advisory company providing production intelligence solutions for machine builders and manufacturers. - Freshpack Technologies (Tanzania)
Team Lead: Editha Mshiu
A cold-storage solution company pioneering AI-powered cooling innovation to reduce food waste for Africa’s informal markets. - GreenBDG (South Africa)
Team Lead: Songo Didiza
A tech-enabled advisory firm offering climate-smart infrastructure solutions and energy optimization strategies for real estate and manufacturing clusters. - INDOS (Egypt)
Team Lead: Ahmed Nounou
An industrial digitization company transforming labor-intensive manufacturing floors into AI-powered, data-driven environments to boost productivity and drive real-time quality improvements. - Toto Safi Limited (Rwanda)
Team Lead: Faith Waraga
An AI-driven circular textile manufacturing platform empowering women-led tailoring cooperatives to produce reusable hygiene products, such as diapers and period pants, at scale. - Spiro (UAE)
Team Lead: Kaushik Burman
This company provides accessible and affordable mobility solutions through manufacturing innovative, eco-friendly electric transportation. - Thola Inc. (USA)
Team Lead: Nneile Nkholise
An AI-powered software platform that provides real-time energy monitoring, forecasting, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance insights to help industrial facilities become insurable, resilient, and grid-conscious. - Torchit (India)
Team Lead: Hunny Bhagchandani
A social-tech enterprise that designs and manufactures affordable, AI-powered assistive technologies to empower persons with disabilities with mobility, literacy, and digital independence. - Digitech Oasis Limited (UK)
Team Lead: Ayan Mohamed
An AI and robotics company developing robotic systems and industrial automation platforms to modernize warehouse and fulfillment operations across industries.
A Partnership Built for Long-Term Impact
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program is a collaboration between the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation created to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The program continues to demonstrate how targeted investment, mentorship and global networks can help entrepreneurs drive meaningful industrial and social transformation.
As the ten finalists prepare for the December semifinalist stage, their innovations highlight the power of artificial intelligence to improve manufacturing systems, expand economic participation and build a more competitive and sustainable future for Africa.
The Grand Prize winner will be announced and celebrated in May 2026.
