Three Kenyan startups among top winners at Africa Entrepreneurship Awards 2026

The awards were presented during the 13th edition of the Africa Summit, which brought together more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and ecosystem players from over 50 countries. The event was hosted by Aavishkaar Group, Intellecap and the Sankalp Forum.

This year’s competition featured five categories, AgriTech, Circular Tech, Climate Tech, FinTech and HealthTech, with 16 finalists shortlisted. Winners were selected by a jury comprising investors and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and global institutions.

Kenyan firms secured top honours in three categories. Rio Fish Ltd won the AgriTech Award. Led by CEO Angela J. Odero, the company focuses on sustainable aquaculture, supporting smallholder fish farmers — particularly women and youth, while promoting structured and ethical market systems.

M-Taka Solutions took the Circular Tech Award. Founded by Benson Abila, the company operates a digital platform linking households, waste collectors and recyclers in a bid to formalise waste collection and create income opportunities within Kenya’s circular economy.

In the HealthTech category, Malaica AG emerged as the winner. Co-founded by Victor Murage Ndegwa, the company provides maternal healthcare services through a hybrid model that combines in-person and digital care to improve access to affordable and continuous pregnancy support.

Other continental winners included Nigeria’s Sosai Renewable Energies Ltd, which received the ClimateTech Award for expanding clean energy access through solar home systems, improved cookstoves and mini-grids in rural communities. The FinTech Award went to Somo Africa Trust, which supports micro and small enterprises across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda through training, financing and market linkages.

Organisers said the awards aim to spotlight scalable businesses addressing social and economic challenges across the continent. Strategic partners for the 2026 summit included development finance institutions, impact investors and multilateral organisations.