Tanzanian Innovators Make Africa Prize Shortlist for Waste and Water Solutions

Two Tanzanian innovators, Mr Allen Kimambo and Ms Faith Kuya, have been shortlisted among 16 finalists for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2026. Their work focuses on critical challenges in urban sustainability and basic services. Mr Kimambo’s ZaidiApp digitises waste collection and integrates informal waste pickers into formal systems, while also giving them access to financial services. Ms Kuya’s WaterBank is a solar-powered, autonomous water utility that filters and desalinate water, uses AI to prevent breakdowns, and allows off-grid communities to access water via cashless prepaid cards. The shortlist features entrepreneurs from 11 African countries competing for a total prize fund of £85,000. Finalists will undergo an eight-month programme that provides training, mentorship, and networking to help scale their innovations commercially. The winner, to be announced in October in Johannesburg, will receive £50,000, while three runners-up will each get £10,000, plus a £5,000 “One-to-Watch” award decided by audience vote. Beyond the money, participants gain access to a strong network of engineers, investors, and business leaders. This recognition highlights Tanzania’s growing role in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, especially in sustainability and inclusive growth, with solutions that can help cities and communities deal with urbanisation and climate pressures.