Logo ./PHOTO ; The Milken Motsepe Prize
Six African innovators have been named among the 10 semifinalists for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing, a $2 million global competition recognizing companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize manufacturing and drive inclusive economic growth.
Each semifinalist receives $50,000 in unrestricted funding and will showcase their innovations at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, set for December 4–5, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The prize, a collaboration between the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, highlights technological ingenuity that strengthens local production and creates jobs in emerging economies.
“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,” said Emily Musil, Managing Director at the Milken Institute.
African Semifinalists Driving Change
The six Africa-based semifinalists represent diverse sectors—from waste recycling and green building to cold storage and textile production—each using AI for sustainability and social impact.
- BleagLee (Cameroon) – Led by Juveline Ngum Ngwa, BleagLee uses AI to detect, collect, and recycle plastic, agricultural, and electronic waste into 3D printing filaments and other reusable materials.
- DataProphet (South Africa) – Headed by Ridwaan Seedat, the company develops AI tools that help manufacturers optimize production, reduce waste, and improve quality control.
- Freshpack Technologies (Tanzania) – Editha Mshiu leads this venture using AI-powered cold storage systems to extend food shelf life and cut post-harvest losses.
- GreenBDG Africa (South Africa) – Songo Didiza’s team applies AI to sustainable building and manufacturing design, promoting low-carbon industrial growth.
- INDOS (Egypt) – Led by Ahmed Nounou, INDOS integrates AI into factory operations, automating processes and improving efficiency.
- Toto Safi Limited (Rwanda) – Faith Waraga leads this AI-driven textile company producing reusable hygiene products while supporting women-led cooperatives.
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, now in its fourth year, has attracted more than 12,000 innovators from 136 countries.
Semifinalists will be evaluated for scalability, efficiency, and social impact, with five finalists advancing to compete for the $1 million grand prize at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.
Africa’s six semifinalists reflect a growing wave of innovators harnessing AI to drive manufacturing resilience, create jobs, and position the continent at the forefront of the next industrial revolution.
ABOUT THE MILKEN INSTITUTE
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life.
With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what’s pressing now and what’s coming next.
The Motsepe Foundation
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute toward eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed, and marginalized people in South Africa, Africa, and the world.
In January 2013, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife are committed to giving half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond.
