Three Kenyan startups were among five continental winners unveiled at the Africa Awards 2026, held on February 25–26 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi.
The awards recognized enterprises tackling some of Africa’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
The winners were announced during the 13th Edition of the Africa Summit, which convened more than 1,000 experts, global leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and startups from over 50 countries.
Hosted by Aavishkaar Group, Intellecap and the Sankalp Forum, the summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for Africa’s entrepreneurial future by connecting more than 350 startups with funding opportunities, global institutions, masterclasses and new market access pathways.
This year’s awards featured five categories: AgriTech, Circular Tech, Climate Tech, FinTech and HealthTech.
Winners were selected from a competitive pool of 16 finalists by a distinguished jury comprising Anne Njuki (Sayuni Capital), Elaina Laichena (Delta 40 Venture Studio), Elizabeth Nyquist (Opes Fund), Pramod Kasat (Intellecap), Imtiaz Khan (Cassia Capital Partners), Jo Griffiths (Global Innovation Initiative Group), Olivia Etyang (Visa), Srinivasan K (Goldstar Paints), Khayalethu Makhubu (Elea), Sydney Thiam (Catalyst Fund), and Teddy Onserio (Haba Capital).
Kenyan startups secured three of the five top honors, underlining the country’s growing influence in Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
AgriTech Award – Rio Fish Ltd (Kenya)
Led by CEO Angela J. Odero, Rio Fish Ltd is transforming aquaculture through sustainable fish farming practices that empower women and youth while promoting ethical market systems.
Circular Tech Award – M-Taka Solutions (Kenya)
Headed by Benson Abila, M-Taka Solutions is digitizing Kenya’s circular economy by connecting households, waste collectors and recyclers via a transparent, technology-enabled platform that converts waste into economic opportunity.
HealthTech Award – Malaica AG (Kenya)
Led by CTO and Co-Founder Victor Murage Ndegwa, Malaica AG is revolutionizing maternal healthcare by providing expert-led, 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 is expanding clean energy access through solar home systems, improved cookstoves and community-powered solar mini-grids, uplifting rural livelihoods.
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 to foster sustainable business growth.
“Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is rewriting the rules of innovation. What we witnessed at Sankalp Africa Awards 2026 is not just startups pitching ideas—it’s founders building futures. Each winner embodies the courage to reimagine systems, the creativity to solve for scale, and the conviction to deliver impact where it matters most. This is the energy that will shape Africa’s tomorrow,” said Karnika Yadav, Partner & Director, Intellecap Africa.
“The Sankalp Africa Awards 2026 are a powerful reminder that the Global South is not just participating in the innovation economy—it is rising, leading, and shaping solutions for the world. What we are witnessing is the South–South rising, entrepreneurs across Africa, within Africa exchanging ideas, capital, and courage to build solutions that resonate globally,” Syna Dehnugara, Director, Sankalp Forum.
The strong showing by Kenyan startups reaffirmed the country’s leadership in driving innovation and impact across the continent. With Nairobi firmly established as East Africa’s startup hub, the 2026 summit reinforced Kenya’s position as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and investment.
Kenya’s thriving startup ecosystem continues to demonstrate resilience, risk-taking and scalable innovation, hallmarks of a dynamic entrepreneurial landscape shaping Africa’s economic future.
The 13th edition of the summit was supported by 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, among others.
The summit aimed to deepen South–South collaboration while building bold, ecosystem-level solutions across key sectors—marking an important milestone for startups, SMEs and investors across Africa.
