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Innovation prize aiming to boost creativity in young Africans

ECA’s director of the ICT, science and technology division, Aida Opoku-Mensah. (Image source: Innovation Prize for Africa/Facebook)

The second round of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA), which rewards innovation across Africa in key sectors of interest, has been launched by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

ECA director of the ICT, science and technology division, Aida Opoku-Mensah said, “Our focus is to encourage innovation and creativity. We believe that the best way to predict the future is to create it. We seek to develop our own solutions, bring together our best minds and all our resources.

She added, “It’s a global invitation to link arms and use our potential, create efficiencies, and commercialise the very best ideas. This is the future Africa deserves.”

Opoku-Mensah explained that researchers were invited to propose projects that would unlock new African potential under one or more areas which include manufacturing and service industry, agriculture, ICTs, health and wellbeing and environment, energy and water.

She further reiterated that the organisers expected the prize to promote the pursuit of science, technology and engineering careers and business among young African men and women.

The selection criteria includes market potential, impact, scalability, originality, utility, and technical aspects. The winning proposal would be awarded a cash prize of US$100,000, with two runner-ups each receiving US$25,000.

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