The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) is a joint initiative by the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). It mobilizes African innovators and entrepreneurs by providing USD 150'000 to winners who deliver market oriented solutions for African-led development. The IPA was awarded for the first time during a Gala Dinner organized as a side event to the ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on 26 March 2012, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The IPA will be awarded annually during the next five years.  

The first edition was a great success with 458 applications received from 38 countries. Cick here to watch the video of the IPA2012 nominees and winners. The competition for IPA 2013 is now open, and the launch of this new round of competition  was announced on July 04, 2012 through a press release. Application forms and details on the conditions for entry can be found on IPA website: www.innovationprizeforafrica.org

Overall, the IPA focuses on African-led solutions, it recognizes innovative breakthroughs that unlock new African potentials, and it mobilizes leaders from all sectors to fuel African innovation. The IPA selection comittee represents private equity investors, seed funders, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and development leaders who are looking for ideas that move Africa forward.

The IPA honours outstanding achievements and encourages future innovative undertakings, which contribute towards development of novel, efficient technologies, processes and products leading to overall sustainable development in Africa.  This is in line with AIF goal of encouraging innovative ideas and achievements that contribute to developing new and effective products/tools, increasing efficiency and saving cost in Africa.  At AIF, we believe that innovation is the key to addressing African interlinked challenges of poverty, social justice and environmental sustainability.

With this award, the AIF and UNECA acknowledge, support and encourage innovators and entrepreneurs - the group of stakeholders who till now have been neither considered nor benefited under the Africa’s development cooperation agenda.

For details on the competition categories, conditions of entry, and submission procedures for IPA 2013 , please visit the IPA website: www.innovationprizeforafrica.org  

For general questions regarding this initiative, please feel free to contact: Pauline Mujawamariya, Program Manager : p.mujawamariya(at)africaninnovation.org