As the world looks forward to the would-be winners for the coveted Innovation Prize for Africa, Innovators from nine African countries have been announced to make the shortlist. These countries includes Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.
Commenting on the shortlist, Walter Fust, AIF Chairman of the Board, expresses excitement to see more women making the list this year, noting that women play crucial role in the transformation of Africa. He disclosed that their Foundation continues to show their commitment towards “engaging, inspiring and transforming” Africa with the creation of a platform to “recognize innovation excellence in Africa”.
“We are pleased to share with you the names of our IPA2017 nominees as we continue on our mission to catalyse the innovation spirit and unlock untapped potential in Africa. For the first time, this year’s nominees include innovators from Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Zimbabwe.
“Moreover, given the instrumental role African women play in transforming Africa, it is thrilling to see more women among the 10 nominees with game changing innovations. By providing platforms to recognize innovation excellence in Africa and mobilizing for African innovators, we continue to live up to our credo of engaging, inspiring and transforming.
“The inspiring stories of these nominees remind us that innovation and African-led solutions are indeed the answer to Africa’s growth and prosperity.”
According to Pauline Mujawamariya Koelbl, IPA Director, the idea behind sixth edition is to road-in investors to discover home-grown innovations. Pauline urged other capable investors to rally round in the promotion of ideas birth by Africans.
“Over the years, IPA has stimulated impact and market-oriented innovations aiming at changing lives and transforming Africa. In this sixth edition, we want to promote more investment in home-grown innovations as well as intra-African collaboration and trade to allow the scaling up of viable innovations across borders.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to work with our partners to ensure the innovations of the 10 nominees will be available to African markets and beyond. We invite you to join us and unlock the potential of African innovators, starting by investing in these 10 nominees.”
As released by the foundation, two Nigerians made the list this year. It’s really exciting to see Nigeria redefining her position in the innovation hub. Names with the respective countries of the shortlisted innovators include: Badr Idriss from Morocco, Peris Bosire from Kenya, Nokwethu Khojane from South Africa, Omolabake Adenle from Nigeria, Nzola Swasisa from Democratic Republic of Congo, Aly El-Shafei from Egypt, Dougbeh-Chris Nyan from Liberia, Olanisun Olufemi Adewole from Nigeria, Gift Gana from Zimbabwe, Philippa Ngaju Makobore from Uganda.
