Three Kenyan startups have been recognized for their innovative solutions to Africa’s social and economic challenges, winning three of the five category awards at the Africa Entrepreneurship Awards 2026. The awards, announced during the 13th Sankalp Africa Summit held in Nairobi on February 25–26, celebrated enterprises driving impact across AgriTech, Circular Tech, Climate Tech, FinTech, and HealthTech sectors. Rio Fish Ltd won the AgriTech award for its fish farming model, M-Taka Solutions took the Circular Tech prize for its waste management platform, and Malaica AG secured the HealthTech award for maternal healthcare services. The summit drew over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond, highlighting opportunities for shared growth through South-South collaboration.
The awards, organized by Aavishkaar Group, Intellecap, and the Sankalp Forum, selected winners from 16 finalists based on innovation, impact, and scalability. Nigeria’s Sosai Renewable Energies Ltd won the ClimateTech award, and Somo Africa Trust claimed the FinTech category for supporting micro and small enterprises across East Africa. The event emphasized how entrepreneurship and impact investing can drive inclusive economic development and channel capital to African enterprises, continuing the summit’s legacy of mobilizing over $800 million in funding since its inception in 2014.
In parallel, Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment has partnered with civil society organizations (CSOs) and financial institutions to address the country’s water and sanitation challenges. The partnership, formalized through memoranda of understanding with Water for People, Uganda Bankers Association, and ZOA Uganda, aims to enhance technical capacity, resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and innovation in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The ministry recognizes that multi-faceted water and environmental issues require coordinated action, noting that while 72% of the population has access to safe water, only 43.6% of households have improved sanitation facilities.
The agreements focus on strengthening environmental, social, and governance financing, co-designing and implementing projects aligned with Uganda’s Catchment-Based Integrated Water Resources Management Framework, and delivering sustainable WASH services to communities, including refugee populations in areas such as Kiryandongo. Officials emphasized that the partnership will support strategic visibility, advocacy, and financing for sustainable water and environmental resource management. Stakeholders highlighted the critical role of women, youth, and children in these initiatives and underscored the importance of community-driven solutions for long-term sustainability. The collaborations are part of broader efforts leading up to the 9th Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026, aimed at promoting inclusive and prosperous management of water and natural resources across the country.
