Access to Electricity and Infrastructure  

Reliable, affordable and scalable access to electricity and modern infrastructure is foundational to economic transformation across Africa. This award recognises innovative projects that significantly advance access to electricity for households, agriculture and industry, and develop essential infrastructure including transport, logistics, water and sanitation, and digital connectivity. We are seeking initiatives that demonstrate creative financing and risk mitigation strategies, catalyse investment, build local capacity, and generate quality jobs across these vital sectors, supporting inclusive growth and private sector development. 

Agribusiness

This award celebrates outstanding innovation in African agribusiness that demonstrably drives job creation, operational excellence, and sustainability, while strengthening local communities and actively building vibrant local economies. We are looking for initiatives that have generated significant skilled employment within the agribusiness sector, and effectively integrate local businesses and smallholder farmers into robust value chains, ensuring equitable participation. Crucially, this award spotlights initiatives fostering greater African self-reliance through resilient local supply networks, the prioritisation of local sourcing and production, reduced dependence on international imports, and strengthened intra-continental trade and efficient logistics. 

Healthcare

 Better healthcare access can empower individuals to lead healthier lives, fostering stronger and more vibrant communities with enhanced opportunities for economic advancement. In low-income countries, each job in the healthcare sector also generates an estimated 3.4 additional jobs across related industries, further catalysing economic growth and resilience. This award recognises innovative, scalable and commercially viable solutions that significantly improve healthcare access, affordability and quality across Africa, with a tangible long-term impact on improving health outcomes and strengthening local healthcare systems. Special attention will be given to initiatives that leverage technology and novel delivery models to reach underserved populations, reduce the financial burden of healthcare, and enhance the overall quality of care, ultimately contributing to increased well-being and the capacity for economic participation and job creation.  

Local Manufacturing 

This award recognises outstanding innovation in local manufacturing across Africa that demonstrably drives job creation, fosters economic diversification, and strengthens local communities. We are looking for initiatives that generate significant skilled employment, promote technology transfer and skills development, and effectively integrate local suppliers and businesses into production value chains, helping to reduce reliance on imports and build resilient domestic industries. Special attention will be given to scalable projects that showcase sustainable manufacturing practices, attract investment, and contribute to the growth of competitive, localised industrial ecosystems, ultimately leading to greater self-sufficiency and shared prosperity across the continent. 

Tourism 

This award celebrates innovative initiatives in Africa's tourism sector that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and community development. We will recognise projects that showcase sustainable tourism practices, attract investment, and enhance local capacity within the industry. We are looking for commercially viable initiatives that create quality employment opportunities, empower local businesses and communities through their integration into the tourism value chain, and promote unique cultural and natural assets. Strong consideration will be given to projects that demonstrate scalability, foster responsible tourism, and deliver long-term benefits to both the environment and local populations, ensuring tourism acts as a powerful engine for sustainable development. 

Judges Award for Excellence

This prize will be awarded to the initiative that in the opinion of the judging panel stands apart among the winners of all core categories for its level of innovation, impact, replicability, financial viability, and sustainability in the context of Africa’s development.

Only initiatives that have been implemented since 2015, and have annual revenues of at least US$3 million or investment of at least US$5 million, will be eligible.  

Innovation Showcase

This special category is designed to highlight exciting new technology ideas that may not meet the eligibility criteria for the core categories but have the potential, with additional funding, to have a transformative impact. Entries should be aligned with the themes of the five core categories.

 Discover how the awards entries will be judged! Download our judging criteria which provides detailed information on the evaluation process, helping you understand how entries are assessed and how winners are selected. Click the link below to download the PDF and gain valuable insights into the judging process. 

Take a look at The Africa Sustainable Futures Awards 2024 winners

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