In a bold move to ignite Africa’s industrial transformation, a new $2 million prize has been launched to accelerate AI-driven manufacturing solutions across the continent. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing, announced at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, is the latest and most ambitious challenge yet in a series of innovation prizes designed to tackle Africa’s deepest structural issues using technology.
The prize is backed by South African mining magnate and philanthropist Dr. Patrice Motsepe, in partnership with the Milken Institute, a leading global think tank focused on financial and economic innovation.
This equity-free prize offers a $1 million grand prize to the winning team, with several other awards supporting promising ventures. Applications are open globally until July 31, 2025, encouraging bold ideas from across the world to fuel Africa’s manufacturing revolution.
A Continent with Potential, but Lagging Behind
Despite being home to 18% of the world’s population, Africa contributes less than 2% to global manufacturing output—a long-standing economic imbalance that continues to hinder inclusive growth, job creation, and self-sufficiency.
In South Africa, one of the continent’s most industrialized economies, manufacturing has shown disappointing performance. In Q1 2025, GDP grew by just 0.1%, weighed down by stagnation in industrial output. The prize aims to reverse such trends by injecting much-needed innovation into the sector.
“We’re excited to see what bold entrepreneurs can bring to Africa’s manufacturing sector,” said Dr. Emily Musil, Managing Director at the Milken Institute. “AI and advanced technologies can be powerful levers for inclusive growth, especially when paired with local talent and contextual understanding.”
What the Prize Seeks
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing calls for entrepreneurs, technologists, engineers, and manufacturers to design and scale technologies that:
- Use AI, data analytics, robotics, or smart-factory tools to streamline production.
- Localize manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports and foreign supply chains.
- Create high-quality, sustainable jobs, especially for youth and women.
- Improve access to essential goods such as housing materials, medical supplies, and food processing equipment.
- Unlock Africa’s export potential by boosting competitiveness and compliance with global standards.
While solutions can span any industrial sector, special focus will be given to ideas impacting housing, healthcare, and food security—three areas of urgent need across the continent.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing is part of a broader Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Series, launched in 2021 by the Motsepe Foundation and the Milken Institute. Previous editions have backed game-changing ventures in agritech, fintech, and renewable energy, awarding over $6 million in prizes and impacting more than 530,000 lives to date.
By offering non-dilutive capital, technical support, and global exposure, the prize series has become a magnet for African innovators and global allies seeking to make scalable impact in underserved markets.
“Entrepreneurship is the most powerful force we have to solve Africa’s challenges,” said Dr. Patrice Motsepe during the announcement. “By leveraging technology and the ingenuity of our people, we can build a continent that’s not just a consumer, but a producer in the global economy.”
A Global Call with Local Impact
The prize is open to both African and international innovators. However, proposals must demonstrate a clear path to implementation in African contexts, with scalable potential and measurable social impact.
Shortlisted teams will receive mentorship, technical resources, and access to a collaborative innovation ecosystem facilitated by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation. Finalists will participate in live demonstrations and pitch sessions, with winners announced in early 2026.
Reimagining Africa’s Industrial Future
The launch of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing comes at a pivotal moment for Africa. With soaring youth unemployment, weak industrial performance, and over-reliance on imported goods, the need for homegrown, tech-enabled manufacturing has never been more urgent.
This prize offers not just money—but a platform for ideas, partnerships, and transformation. It’s a call to entrepreneurs to lead the next chapter of African development by building factories powered by algorithms, automation, and ambition.
Applications are now open through July 31, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit MilkenMotsepePrize.org
