The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) has named 10 finalists of its
prestigious Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2014, reports NaijaAgroNet.
The 10 African innovators, NaijaAgroNet also reports according
a press statement by the African Press Organisation (APO), as having created
practical solutions to some of the continent’s most intractable problems, from
a domestic waste biogas system to a wafer matrix for paediatric antiretroviral
(ARV) drug treatment. Chosen from almost 700 applications from 42 countries,
the finalists for the IPA 2014 represent Africans’ potential to address the
challenges that are unique to the continent.
The winners of the IPA 2014 will be announced at an awards
ceremony on 5 May in Abuja, Nigeria, where keynote speaker, the
Honourable Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of finance, will
highlight the importance of innovation to unlock Africa’s potential for
sustainable development and economic growth.
The winner will receive USD 100 000 for the best innovation
based on marketability, originality, scalability, social impact and clear
business potential. While a runner up will receive USD 25 000 for the
best commercial potential and another winner will receive USD 25 000 as a
special prize for innovation with the highest social impact.
Prior to the awards ceremony, a roundtable featuring
innovation experts will take place, to address the theme “A Path to Building
Industrial Nation Skillsets in Africa.”
Founder, African Innovation Foundation and the IPA, Jean-Claude
Bastos de Morais, noted that 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,” Bastos de Morais said.
Isaac Oyimah/GEE
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