Milken Motsepe Prize Rewards AI-First Entrepreneurs in Africa

Artificial intelligence could catalyze social and economic change for the Global South. By 2030, AI-powered Industry 4.0 is expected to contribute as much as $1.5 trillion to the economy and drive transformation in healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The Milken Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a collaboration between the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, targets global innovators in different categories: AI & Manufacturing, FinTech, Green Energy, and AgriTech. Launched in 2021, the multi-year program offers financial support and other resources to entrepreneurs in emerging markets.

The new AI and Manufacturing prize category is dedicated to established African companies “revolutionizing manufacturing value chains by leveraging AI and other emerging technologies."

It opened up for submissions in May 2025, and 10 semifinalist teams were announced in September. Each team will receive $50,000 in funding to “drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.”

The semifinalists will present their solutions at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi from December 4th to 5th, 2025. A panel will select five finalist companies, who will each receive $30,000 and compete for the $1 million grand prize. The runner-up will take home a $250,000 cash prize, while one of the teams will win $100,000 for the most advanced use of 4IR (Industry 4.0).

The semifinalists are described as established companies in the manufacturing sector with more than two years of operation in Africa and a clear commitment to advancing job growth and workforce development. They include:

1. BleagLee, a Cameroon-based waste management and recycling company, uses artificial intelligence to detect and collect poorly disposed waste (plastic, agricultural, and electronic).

2. DataProphet is a South African production intelligence consultancy offering machine learning-based solutions for reducing waste and improving yield.

3. Digitech Oasis develops data automation systems and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for small and medium-sized enterprises.

4. Freshpack Technologies is a cold-storage company in Morogoro, Tanzania, that aims to reduce post-harvest vegetable loss using a storage box lined with smart fabric. The Freshpack box can reportedly keep vegetables fresh for up to 10 days.

5. GreenBDG Africa (Green Building Design Group Africa) is a South African advisory firm helping real estate and manufacturing companies comply with sustainability regulations and ESG goals.

6. INDOS’s flagship product, Garment IO, is a plug-and-play smart manufacturing solution designed for garment factories.

7. Spiro sells affordable electric motorcycles in various African countries.

8. Thola is building a climate sustainability compliance ecosystem for agricultural and food organizations in Africa.

9. Torchit develops assistive technologies for visually-impaired people.

10. Toto Safi provides affordable reusable diapers for caregivers across Africa by partnering with local women's tailor cooperatives.

Industry 4.0 is in its relative infancy in Africa, and there is a pressing need for homegrown solutions that help manufacturing businesses operate smoothly and efficiently.

The overall winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing will be announced and awarded in May 2026.