Africa Digest News

Africa’s innovation ecosystem is thriving, and the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI for Manufacturing is fuelling this momentum with a $2 million prize pool to empower African companies using artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to transform manufacturing value chains.

This prestigious global competition is a call to action for startups and innovators ready to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and unlock sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Here’s your guide to this unmissable opportunity and how to make your mark.

Why This Prize Is a Game-Changer

Africa’s manufacturing sector holds immense potential but faces challenges like low output (contributing less than 2% to global production despite 18% of the world’s population), fragmented supply chains, and reliance on imports.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize, supported by the Milken Institute and South African billionaire Dr. Patrice Motsepe, aims to close this gap by funding AI-driven solutions that:

• Enhance manufacturing efficiency through smart automation and data analytics.
• Minimise waste to create sustainable production models.
• Strengthen supply chains for greater resilience and localisation.
• Drive job creation and economic growth in emerging markets.

Launched at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, this competition builds on the success of prior Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize programs, which have awarded over $6 million and impacted 530,000+ lives through breakthroughs in agritech, fintech, and energy.

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What’s on Offer?

The prize offers $2 million in equity-free funding, ensuring innovators retain full ownership of their ventures. Here’s the prize breakdown:

• Grand Prize: $1 million for the most impactful, scalable solution.
• Runner-Up Prize: $250,000 for the second-place team.
• Most Advanced Use of 4IR Prize: $100,000 for innovative use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies like AI, data analytics, or smart automation.
• Semi-Finalists: 10 teams receive $50,000 each to refine their solutions.
• Finalists: 5 teams get an additional $30,000 each to prepare for the final pitch.

Beyond cash, participants gain:

• Exclusive networking opportunities with global industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers.
• A platform to pitch directly to influential stakeholders, opening doors to partnerships and growth.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to Africa-based startups and companies (or global teams with solutions tailored for Africa) leveraging AI and emerging technologies to transform manufacturing. Eligible applicants should focus on:

• Improving manufacturing processes through AI-driven automation or optimisation.
• Enhancing supply chain efficiency to reduce costs and delays.
• Minimising material waste for sustainable production.
• Creating scalable, commercially viable solutions with clear market potential.

Teams must be established entities, ideally at Series A or beyond, with a proven track record. Current or recent employees (or their immediate family) of the Milken Institute or Motsepe Foundation are ineligible.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025. Apply now at milkenmotsepeprize.org.

How the Competition Works

The Milken-Motsepe Prize follows a structured process to identify and reward transformative solutions:

1. Application Submission: Submit a detailed business model and technology overview showcasing your AI-driven innovation.
2. Semi-Finalist Selection: An independent panel selects 10 semi-finalists, each awarded $50,000 to refine their solutions.
3. Live Pitch: Semi-finalists pitch to global leaders, with 5 advancing as finalists and receiving an additional $30,000 each.
4. Final Submission: Finalists provide comprehensive project data and documentation.
5. Grand Finale: Winners are announced at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in May 2026.

Submissions are evaluated based on:

• Technological Integration: Effective use of AI, data analytics, or 4IR technologies.
• Operational Efficiency: Proven improvements in productivity and waste reduction.
• Commercial Viability: Clear path to market and revenue generation.
• Scalability: Potential for regional or global expansion, particularly in African markets.

Why AI for Manufacturing?

Africa’s manufacturing sector is critical for economic resilience but struggles with inefficiencies. For instance, South Africa’s manufacturing output slowed GDP growth to just 0.1% in Q1 2025. AI offers solutions by enabling:

• Smart automation to streamline production lines.
• Predictive analytics to optimise supply chains and reduce waste.
• Localised production to decrease import dependency.
• Job creation through scalable, tech-driven industrial models.

This prize aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising industry, innovation, and economic growth, positioning Africa as a hub for industrial transformation.

Lessons from Past Prizes

The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize series, launched in 2021, has a strong track record:

• Over $6 million awarded to innovators.
• Impacted 530,000+ lives through solutions in agritech, fintech, and green energy.
• Supported breakthroughs like improved food security and access to reliable electricity.

The AI for Manufacturing Prize continues this legacy, targeting a sector vital for Africa’s industrial and economic future.

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How to Craft a Winning Application

To stand out, your application should:

• Demonstrate Scalability: Show how your solution can expand across African and global markets.
• Quantify Impact: Provide data on efficiency gains, waste reduction, or job creation.
• Highlight AI Innovation: Clearly explain how AI or 4IR technologies power your solution.
• Address African Challenges: Focus on issues like supply chain fragility or import reliance.
• Prove Commercial Viability: Present a clear path to market and revenue.

Visit milkenmotsepeprize.org for resources, events, and networking opportunities to connect with fellow innovators.

Why You Can’t Miss This

The Milken-Motsepe Prize is more than funding; it’s a launchpad for African innovators to redefine global manufacturing.

With $2 million in prizes, access to industry leaders, and a global stage, this competition could propel your company to new heights.

Take Action Now

Ready to lead Africa’s industrial revolution? Submit your application by July 31, 2025, at milkenmotsepeprize.org. Join a community of innovators tackling Africa’s biggest challenges with AI.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.