Nonprofit think tank The Milken Institute and philanthropy organisation the Motsepe Foundation have announced the ten semifinalist teams of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing.
The prize highlights companies that are revolutionising manufacturing value chains in Africa through AI and other advanced technologies.
Each team will receive $50 000 in unrestricted funding to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.
The semifinalist teams will present their innovations at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, to be held in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on December 4 and 5.
Funds of $2-million will be distributed for this prize, while also providing participants with opportunities for global visibility, mentorship and investor connections, the organisations say.
“By focusing on AI and manufacturing, this award identifies and supports visionary teams transforming industry with advanced technologies, which has a multiplying effect by creating economic opportunity for communities across Africa,” says Milken Institute MD Emily Musil.
AI is projected to add nearly $3-trillion to Africa’s economy between 2024 and 2033.
The prize seeks established, scalable companies in the manufacturing sector with a track record of over two years of operation in Africa, demonstrated Series A+ traction and a clear commitment to advancing job growth and workforce development.
The prize also serves as a global platform and network for entrepreneurs and social impact companies.
A panel of judges and investors will evaluate the semifinalists based on commercial viability, operational economics, technological integration and market scalability in Africa, and five finalists will be selected to advance to the final round.
A $1-million grand prize will be awarded at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, in the US, in addition to a $250 000 runner-up prize and a $100 000 award for the most advanced use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
SEMIFINALISTS
Waste management and recycling company BleagLee, based in Cameroon, uses AI and specialised software to rapidly identify, collect and transform plastic, and agricultural and electronic waste into high-value inputs, like engineered recycled polymers, 3D printing filaments and biobased carbon materials.
Production intelligence company DataProphet, based in South Africa, provides industrial production intelligence solutions for machine builders and manufacturers.
Further, warehouse and fulfilment solutions company Digitech Oasis, based in the UK, is developing robotic systems and industrial automation platforms to modernise warehouse and fulfilment operations across industries.
Cold-storage solution company Freshpack Technologies, based in Tanzania, is pioneering AI-powered cooling innovation to reduce food waste for Africa’s informal markets.
Infrastructure and energy advisory firm Green Building Design Group Africa, based in South Africa, offers technology-enabled climate-smart infrastructure solutions and energy optimisation strategies for real estate and manufacturing clusters.
Industrial digitisation company INDOS, based in Egypt, is transforming labour-intensive manufacturing floors into AI-powered, data-driven environments to boost productivity and drive quality in real-time.
Additionally, eco-friendly electric transportation manufacturer Spiro, based in the UAE, provides accessible and affordable mobility solutions.
Real-time energy monitoring, forecasting, and environmental, social and governance performance insights company Thola Inc, based in the US, is an AI-powered performance monitoring software platform that helps industrial facilities become insurable, resilient and grid-conscious.
Assistive technologies manufacturer Torchit Team, based in India, is a social-technology enterprise that designs and manufactures affordable, AI-powered assistive technologies to empower persons with disabilities with mobility, literacy and digital independence.
Textile manufacturing platform Toto Safi, based in Rwanda, is an AI-enabled, circular textile manufacturing platform that enables women-led tailoring cooperatives to produce reusable hygiene products, such as diapers and period pants, at scale. 
