The Milken-Motsepe Prize, initiated by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, aims to identify and support companies that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform industrial value chains in Africa. The goal is to stimulate job creation, sustainability and economic inclusion on the continent.
The ten semi-finalists and selection criteria
Ten companies have been selected for this semi-final. They were chosen based on strict criteria : at least two years’ experience in Africa, strong growth potential and a genuine desire to contribute to local socio-economic development.
BleagLee (Juveline Ngum Ngwa)
Based in Cameroon, BleagLee is a waste management and recycling company that uses AI and specialised software to quickly identify, collect and transform plastic, agricultural and electronic waste into high-value inputs such as recycled polymers, filaments for 3D printing and bio-based carbon materials.
DataProphet (Ridwaan Seedat)
Based in South Africa, DataProphet is an industrial intelligence consulting and technology company that provides production intelligence solutions to machine builders and manufacturers.
Digitech Oasis Limited (Ayan Mohamed)
Based in the United Kingdom, Digitech Oasis is an award-winning AI and robotics company that develops robotic systems and industrial automation platforms to modernise warehousing and order fulfilment operations across all industries.
Freshpack Technologies (Editha Mshiu)
Based in Tanzania, Freshpack Technologies is a cold storage solutions company pioneering AI-powered refrigeration innovation to reduce food waste in Africa’s informal markets.
GreenBDG Africa (Songo Didiza)
Based in South Africa, Green Building Design Group Africa (GreenBDG Africa) is a technology consulting firm that provides climate-smart infrastructure solutions and energy optimisation strategies for real estate and manufacturing hubs.
INDOS (Ahmed Nounou)
Based in Egypt, INDOS is an industrial digitalisation company that transforms labour-intensive manufacturing workshops into AI-powered, data-driven environments to boost productivity and improve quality in real time.
Spiro (Kaushik Burman)
Based in the United Arab Emirates, Spiro provides accessible and affordable mobility solutions by manufacturing innovative and environmentally friendly electric transportation.
Thola Inc. (Nneile Nkholise)
Based in the United States, Thola is an AI-powered software platform that provides real-time energy monitoring, forecasting and ESG performance insights to help industrial facilities become insurable, resilient and grid-aware.
Torchit (Hunny Bhagchandani)
Based in India, Torchit is a social technology company that designs and manufactures affordable, AI-powered assistive technologies to enable people with disabilities to move around, become literate and gain digital independence.
Toto Safi Limited (Faith Waraga)
Based in Rwanda, Toto Safi is an AI-powered circular textile manufacturing platform that enables women-led tailoring cooperatives to produce reusable hygiene products such as nappies and sanitary pads at scale.
The prizes
Each of the ten companies selected for the semi-finals receives a grant of $50,000 to develop their solution. The grand prize will award the final winner with $1 million. Two other prizes will be awarded :
- A prize of $250,000 for the runner-up.
- A special prize of $100,000 for the best use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
The next step : the semi-finals
The ten semi-finalists will meet at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi on 4 and 5 December. There, they will present their projects to a jury of international experts. At the end of this event, five finalists will be chosen to participate in the grand final, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2026.
Source: Milken Institute & AITN
Vanessa Ntoh