African technology entrepreneurs are making significant strides on the world stage, with 69 innovators from 12 countries nominated for the Class of 2026 in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) program. This year’s cohort showcases a strong representation of African innovators focusing on climate change technology, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and inclusive design, all of which demonstrate a commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
Now entering its twelfth year, the LIF program is dedicated to transforming purpose-driven ventures in low- and middle-income countries into scalable and investable businesses. Since its inception in 2014, the initiative has supported over 1,585 entrepreneurs across 19 countries, leading to the creation of more than 11,000 skilled jobs, the generation of over $603 million in follow-on funding, and the registration of over 2,320 intellectual property rights.
The 2026 cohort reflects the rapid evolution of innovation within Africa, where technology adoption often outstrips traditional infrastructure. Digital public goods continue to expand, while entrepreneurship is increasingly driven by the need for climate change adaptation.
Support from the UK Fuels Global Aspirations
Among the selected 69 innovators, 47 will participate in LIF Global 2026, receiving support from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The program offers unparalleled training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, aimed at facilitating the transition of early-stage technologies from lab settings to the marketplace.
Ian Ritchie CBE FREng, Chair of the LIF Steering Group, highlighted the program’s purpose: “The Leaders in Innovation Fellowship is designed to accelerate impactful technological advancements through rigorous training, strategic mentorship, and extensive international networking.” He added that by refining entrepreneurs’ ideas and bolstering their business acumen, LIF helps foster solutions that deliver long-term benefits to communities worldwide.
Anna Avaliani, Director of Enterprise, expressed her enthusiasm for the 2026 participants, remarking on the creativity and resolve of entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to tackle global challenges. She emphasized that whether focusing on clean energy, assistive technology, or inclusive design, the LIF program is committed to supporting impactful solutions that can lead to meaningful changes within their communities and beyond.
Africa’s Innovators Creating Market Solutions
The African entrepreneurs selected for LIF Global demonstrate a commitment to transforming multiple sectors, including child safety, waste management, healthcare, digital inclusion, and renewable energy. Keletso Lekwakwe is the Co-Founder and CEO of PasswordKid (Pty) Ltd, based in South Africa. His platform facilitates a secure digital system that enables schools to safely release children only to verified parents, addressing child safety issues in regions struggling with these risks.
In the climate and circular economy sector, Dr. Ntandoyenkosi Malusi Mkhize is the founder of NdoTec Innovations, which focuses on converting industrial waste into useful chemicals, materials, and energy products applicable for households and small industries. His approach not only promotes sustainable practices but also incorporates rural communities into a comprehensive economic model.
Another innovative startup, Khepri Biosciences, founded by Bandile Dlabantu, tackles waste conversion by transforming organic waste into animal feed and fertilizer. This scalable solution could significantly combat the challenge of waste management in Africa, where over 125 million tonnes of municipal waste are generated annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled.
Breakthroughs in Health Tech and Medical Innovation
Healthcare innovations among the new cohort are similarly impactful. Dr. Relebohile Matthew Matobole from the University of Cape Town has devised a novel combination therapy for keloid scarring, a condition common in pigmented populations. His research employs computer modeling to identify effective drug combinations aimed at minimizing treatment recurrence rates.
Additionally, Mxolisi Booi, founder of Agile Africa, has created the Bophelo App, a medication adherence tool that assists individuals managing chronic illnesses. As chronic diseases continue to escalate in Africa, with projections indicating that by 2030 non-communicable diseases will account for over 40% of deaths, this innovation is timely and critical.
Further, Professor Mthokozisi Simelane is developing anti-diabetic capsules using indigenous South African medicinal plants to improve treatment compliance in a region experiencing a sharp rise in diabetes cases.
AI and Digital Infrastructure Enhancements
African innovators are standing at the forefront of AI applications and digital infrastructure solutions. Storm Roda, founder of African Intelligent Machines (AIM), has developed a system that enables micro-purchase recycling centers to achieve precise material quantification, integrate real-time pricing, and maintain a transparent audit trail—significantly improving profitability for informal waste pickers.
In connectivity, Tabil Makoba, CEO of Makoba Professional Services, is implementing microwave radio frequency communication systems to deliver high-speed internet to underserved communities in South Africa, overcoming the limitations posed by fiber optic infrastructure.
Moreover, in navigation innovation, Sivuyile Ngcanga’s Zula app, developed through the Sheer Versatility Group, improves emergency and service delivery in informal settlements by facilitating accurate routing systems in areas where conventional street naming does not exist.
Scaling Accessibility and Inclusivity Worldwide
In addition to the 69 innovators, 22 entrepreneurs have been selected for the LIF Advance program, which concentrates on scaling validated products internationally under the theme “Accessibility, Assistive, and Inclusive Technologies.” This initiative is integral to the UK-funded AT2030 program, in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Global Disability Innovation Hub.
The innovations from Africa’s winners illustrate the potential for widespread impact. For example, Dr. Atish Shah of RoverLab Tanzania is utilizing smartphones as 3D scanners for limb scans, applying AI-driven design and 3D printing to manufacture customized orthodontic braces in just three days. Tunga Innovation’s Derrick Lubanga has created AbleSpeak, a voice-navigation tool tailored for students with motor disabilities, while Elly Savatia’s Signvrse offers an AI-powered sign language translation platform for the deaf community.
Transforming Ideas into Global Opportunities
The 2025 LIF Innovator of the Year, Kelvin Murama, referred to the program as a transformative experience for his entrepreneurial journey, stating it equipped him with the tools needed to transition from prototype development to generating revenue.
As Africa’s startup ecosystem rapidly matures, venture funding has seen a resurgence, surpassing $3 billion in 2025. Programs like LIF aim to integrate African-led innovations into global supply chains, moving beyond regional aid frameworks.
Upon concluding their fellowship, the Class of 2026 will join a diverse international alumni network connecting them with investors, government officials, and corporate partners. For a continent facing the urgent challenges of climate change, infrastructural deficiencies, and youth unemployment, the message is clear: African founders are not only participating in global innovation but are redefining it.
