Kenyan startups secured three of the five top prizes at the Sankalp Africa Awards 2026, underscoring the country’s growing prominence as an innovation hub amid rising investor interest in locally built solutions to the continent’s economic and social challenges.
The awards were presented during the 13th edition of the Sankalp Africa Summit, held on Feb. 25–26 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. Organisers said the summit drew more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development partners from over 50 countries.
The summit is hosted by the Aavishkaar Group, Intellecap and the Sankalp Forum. It connects more than 350 startups with funding opportunities, global institutions and market access partners through curated matchmaking and workshops.
This year’s awards spanned five sectors seen as critical to Africa’s development: agri-tech, circular economy, climate tech, fintech and health tech.
Kenyan companies dominated the winners’ list. In agri-tech, Rio Fish Ltd, led by Angela J. Odero, was recognised for its work in sustainable aquaculture aimed at empowering women and youth. M-Taka Solutions, headed by Benson Abila, won in the circular tech category for its digital platform linking households, waste collectors and recyclers. In health tech, Malaica AG, co-founded by Victor Murage Ndegwa, was honoured for providing affordable, continuous pregnancy care across Kenya.
Other winners included Nigeria’s Sosai Renewable Energies Ltd, led by Habiba Ali, which took the climate tech award for expanding access to clean energy, and Somo Africa Trust, under Catherine Masolia, which won in fintech for supporting micro-entrepreneurs across East Africa.
The winners were selected by a jury of investors and industry executives from across Africa and international markets.
“Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is rewriting the rules of innovation. What we witnessed at Sankalp Africa Awards 2026 is not just startups pitching ideas—it’s founders building futures. Each winner embodies the courage to reimagine systems, the creativity to solve for scale, and the conviction to deliver impact where it matters most. This is the energy that will shape Africa’s tomorrow,” said Karnika Yadav, Partner & Director, Intellecap Africa.
Kenya has in recent years emerged as a regional technology and venture capital hub, particularly in fintech and climate-focused ventures, benefiting from a deep pool of engineering talent and a supportive policy environment. Nairobi is often described by investors as East Africa’s startup capital, attracting both local and international funding.
Speaking about the awards, Syna Dehnugara, Director, Sankalp Forum, said, “The Sankalp Africa Awards 2026 are a powerful reminder that the Global South is not just participating in the innovation economy—it is rising, leading, and shaping solutions for the world. What we are witnessing is the South–South rising—entrepreneurs across Africa, within Africa exchanging ideas, capital, and courage to build solutions that resonate globally.”