Kenyan Startups Win at 2026 Africa Entrepreneurship Awards

The Africa Entrepreneurship Awards 2026 recognized businesses addressing critical social and economic challenges across the continent. The awards ceremony and associated summit took place February 25–26 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

The 13th Africa Summit, organized by the Sankalp Forum, Intellecap, and Aavishkaar Group, convened over 1,000 experts, leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and startups from more than 50 nations. The summit aims to connect companies with global institutions, investment opportunities, and new market access.

Award Categories

This year’s awards encompassed five categories: AgriTech, Circular Tech, Climate Tech, FinTech, and HealthTech. A jury of twelve individuals selected the winners from a pool of 16 finalists. The jury included Anne Njuki, Elaina Laichena, Elizabeth Nyquist, Pramod Kasat, Imtiaz Khan, Jo Griffiths, Olivia Etyang, Srinivasan K, Khayalethu Makhubu, Sydney Thiam, and Teddy Onserio.

Kenyan Startup Success

Three of the five top awards were presented to Kenyan startups, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

Award Winners

AgriTech Award – Rio Fish Ltd (Kenya)
Led by CEO Angela J. Odero, Rio Fish Ltd focuses on sustainable fish farming practices, empowering women and youth and promoting ethical market systems.

Circular Tech Award – M-Taka Solutions (Kenya)
Headed by Benson Abila, M-Taka Solutions digitizes Kenya’s circular economy by connecting households, waste collectors, and recyclers through a technology-enabled platform.

HealthTech Award – Malaica AG (Kenya)
Led by CTO and Co-Founder Victor Murage Ndegwa, Malaica AG provides affordable and continuous pregnancy care for women across Kenya.

ClimateTech Award – Sosai Renewable Energies Ltd (Nigeria)
Founded and led by Habiba Ali, Sosai Renewable Energies expands access to clean energy through solar home systems, improved cookstoves, and community-powered solar mini-grids.

FinTech Award – Somo Africa Trust (East Africa)
Under Managing Director Catherine Masolia, Somo Africa Trust supports micro and small entrepreneurs across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda through training, funding, and market access.

Summit Statements

Karnika Yadav, Partner & Director, Intellecap Africa, stated that the awards showcased founders building futures and reimagining systems. Syna Dehnugara, Director, Sankalp Forum, emphasized the rising influence of the Global South and South–South collaboration.

Kenya’s Leadership in Innovation

The strong performance of Kenyan startups reinforced the country’s position as a leader in driving innovation and impact across the continent. Nairobi’s status as East Africa’s startup hub was further solidified by the summit.

Summit Support

The 13th edition of the summit received support from strategic global partners, including Villgro Africa, Boehringer Ingelheim, Expertise France, Global Gateway, MoFund Africa, the EU Delegation, British International Investment, UNHCR, Energy Catalyst, FSD Uganda, TNO, Ashden Climate Solutions, Manufacturing Africa, GIZ, IDRC-CRDI, William Davidson Institute, and AMREF Solutions. The summit aimed to foster South–South collaboration and develop ecosystem-level solutions across key sectors.