The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) has announced the finalists of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2014, picking 10 African innovators who have created practical solutions to some of the continent’s problems, ranging from a domestic waste biogas system to a wafer matrix for paediatric antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment.
The finalists were chosen from almost 700 applications from 42 countries and, according to AIF, they represent Africans’ potential to address the challenges unique to the continent. The winners of the IPA 2014 will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 5 in Abuja, Nigeria.
AIF said the winner will receive US$100,000 for the best innovation based on marketability, originality, scalability, social impact and clear business potential. A runner-up will receive US$25,000 for the best commercial potential and another winner will receive US$25,000 as a special prize for innovation with the highest social impact.
The IPA 2014 finalists are: Ashley Uys (South Africa) for OculusID Impairment Screening, Daniel Gitau Thairu (Kenya) for Domestic Waste Biogas System, Elise Rasel Cloete (South Africa) for GMP Traceability Management Software CC, Joshua Okello (Kenya) for WinSenga, Logou Minsob (Togo) for Foufoumix, Dr Nicolaas Duneas (South Africa) for Altis Osteogenic Bone Matrix (Altis OBM), Maman Abdou Kane (Niger) for horticultural tele-irrigation, Melesse Temesgen (Ethiopia) for Aybar BBM, Sulaiman Bolarinde Famro (Nigeria) for Farmking Mobile Multi-crop Processor and Viness Pillay (South Africa) for WaferMatTM.
“As global leaders gather for the 2014 World Economic Forum on Africa to discuss approaches to inclusive growth and job creation, the IPA 2014 innovators demonstrate that the best way to achieve equitable economic growth for all Africans is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, founder of the African Innovation Foundation and the IPA.
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