2026 Äänit Prize finalists: Young African leaders pioneer agriculture, food security and education solutions

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) has announced the four finalists for the prestigious 2026 Äänit Prize, an annual award that offers up to US$100 000 in funding to support scalable ventures creating positive social impact across Africa. Offered exclusively to Mandela Rhodes and Rhodes alumni, the social impact award recognises innovative initiatives making a measurable difference to some of Africa’s most marginalised communities.

‘Äänit means ‘common work’ or ‘joint effort’ in Koalib, a minority language spoken in Sudan,’ explains Judy Sikuza, CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. ‘The name reflects the belief that Africa’s greatest challenges can be addressed through collective leadership, collaboration and shared endeavour.

Now in its sixth year, the prize honours Africans who are taking collective responsibility for reshaping the continent’s future. The 2026 finalists, all Mandela Rhodes Scholars, are from Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe. They embody the Foundation’s pan-African ethos and spirit of Ubuntu, recognising that Africa’s greatest challenges are best addressed through collective effort, shared responsibility and innovative solutions that strengthen communities across borders.

Each venture is aligned with one or more of the United Nation’s 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Africa. Three of the ventures focus on agriculture and food security, while one looks at tapping into AI to expand access to quality education. Together they demonstrate how young African leaders are reimagining solutions and making an impact in areas critical to the continent’s future.

The finalists:

David Chapoloko (Zambia & University of Cape Town, 2024)

Venture: AgreeNect Technologies Limited

Impact area: Agriculture and food security

AgreeNect Technologies is an agritech venture supporting smallholder farmers to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and access more profitable markets, which contributes to more resilient rural economies. It supports farmers through digital agricultural advice, climate information, market access and land restoration initiatives.

Nyasha Mashanda (Zimbabwe & University of Cape Town, 2020)

Venture: VhenekAI

Impact area: Education

VhenekAI is an offline AI learning platform designed to provide personalised education support to students, regardless of connectivity or location. Named after the Shona word meaning ‘to light up’, the platform aims to expand and bridge educational opportunities to ensure that learners, in underserved communities, are not left behind in the digital age.

Odwour Midigo (Kenya & Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2018)

Venture: Ndaloh Heritage Organisation

Impact area: Agriculture and food security

Based in western Kenya, this model is a community-driven initiative designed to improve nutrition, strengthen food security and increase farmer incomes. By promoting regenerative agriculture and climate-smart practices, the venture is helping rural communities – including women, caregivers and smallholder farmers - to build healthier communities, restore soil health and strengthen local food systems.

Emmanuel Valentine (Nigeria & University of KwaZulu Natal, 2025)

Venture: FARM4US

Impact area: Agriculture and food security

FARM4US is helping address food insecurity in Nigeria. The initiative helps farmers improve and increase productivity, adopt modern agricultural practices and strengthen food security in rural communities. The technology-driven venture sources ways to unlock the potential of underutilised farmland, while creating economic opportunities and promoting sustainable farming practices through demonstration farms, support and market access.

At a time when Africa faces growing challenges related to food security, climate adaptation, youth unemployment and unequal access to education, the finalists demonstrate the power of locally led innovation to drive scalable and sustainable solutions.

‘These finalists represent a new generation of African changemakers who are responding to complex challenges with determination, innovation, and a deep commitment to their communities’ says Judy Sikuza, CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. ‘What stands out is their ability to turn local insight into practical solutions with the potential for far-reaching impact. Through their work, we see how values-driven leadership can create opportunities, strengthen resilience and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development’.

A total of 67 entries were received, an independent panel selection narrowed these down to 42 a top 10, before announcing the final four finalists after interviews, presentations and a rigorous evaluation process. A panel of five leading experts from business, healthcare and social innovation will select the winner – or winners – to be announced at an event, in Cape Town, on Friday, 18 September that will celebrate African leadership, innovation and the unwavering drive to create a better future.

The judging panel:

• Dr Sangu Delle (Ghana): Äänit Prize Chair, Chairperson and CEO of CarePoint
• Muitheri Wahome (Kenya): Asset management expert
• Dr Shehnaaz Suliman (South Africa/USA): Executive Chair of ReCode Therapeutics
• Farren Roper (South Africa/USA): Organizational HR executive, entrepreneur, product leader and former attorney
• Dr Nobulali Dangazele (South Africa): Strategist and social innovator