Earthshot in Africa
A dive into Earthshot Innovators from across the continent of Africa
Over 750 nominees for The Earthshot Prize are actively delivering positive impact in Africa, with nearly 400 nominees in 2024 alone based on the continent.
After four years of the Prize, we now have 16 Finalists based in, or creating impact across, Africa. Learn more about three of these game-changers below.
Roam
Roam brings affordable, electric transport to one of the world’s fastest growing regions.
Founded in 2017 as a research project at a Swedish university, Roam spotted an opportunity: electric vehicles made in Africa by Africans. Their electric motorcycles and buses are designed specially for the African market, with affordability and reliability at the forefront.
Since becoming a Finalist in 2022 Roam has taken huge strides in its mission to revolutionise African transportation. In 2023 they successfully closed their $24M Series A round – money that will enable Roam to expand its production of locally designed and manufactured electric motorcycles and buses.
Mukuru Clean Stoves
Mukuru Clean Stoves use processed biomass instead of charcoal, burning cleaner and creating up to 90% less pollution than open fires.
Today, 200,000 people in Kenya use Mukuru Clean Stoves, saving $10 million in fuel costs and saving lives too.
Mukuru’s progress since winning The Earthshot Prize in 2022 has been incredible – employing more women and expanding into new countries. They are even developing innovative new malaria-preventing cookstoves and briquettes thanks to a grant from Earthshot Prize Founding Partner, the Paul G. Allen Foundation.
Sanergy
Sanergy is solving the sanitation crisis through the power of the circular economy, by providing a clean, cost-effective ways to process organic waste.
Booming cities are struggling with a deluge of waste as urban centres outgrow their sewage systems. This waste is safely removed and transported to Sanergy’s factory where it is consumed by black soldier fly larvae and converted to safe agricultural inputs sold to local farmers.
Since becoming an Earthshot Prize Finalist, Sanergy has taken huge strides in scaling the company globally.
In 2021 they received significant support from Earthshot Prize partners including over £1M from Deloitte’s eco-innovation fund, and in-kind project design, impact measurement and scaling strategy support from Arup and Kearney.
