Three Kenyan startups have outpaced continental rivals to clinch top honours at a major pan-African entrepreneurship summit in Nairobi.
- •Held at the Sarit Expo Centre, the Sankalp Africa Awards 2026 crowned five winners from a shortlist of sixteen enterprises tackling Africa’s toughest social and economic challenges.
- •But it was Kenya that dominated the podium, walking away with three of the five awards.
- •Organised by Intellecap under the Sankalp Forum and backed by the Aavishkaar Group, the summit convened more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and ecosystem builders from over 50 countries, connecting over 350 startups to funding, market access and global partnerships.
“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,” Syna Dehnugara, Director at Sankalp Forum.
In the AgriTech category, Rio Fish Ltd, led by Angela J Odero, was recognised for transforming aquaculture through sustainable fish farming that empowers women and youth while promoting ethical market practices.
The early-stage startup is building climate-resilient livelihoods in Kenya’s blue economy, turning ponds into platforms for inclusive growth.
The Circular Tech award went to M-Taka Solutions, headed by Benson Abila. The startup is digitising Kenya’s informal waste economy, connecting households, collectors and recyclers through a transparent tech-enabled platform — effectively turning waste into economic opportunity.
“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.
In HealthTech, Malaica AG, led by CTO & Co-Founder Victor Murage Ndegwa, won for delivering expert-led, affordable, continuous pregnancy care for women across Kenya.
The model blends digital care pathways with on-the-ground medical support, tackling one of the country’s most persistent healthcare gaps.
Beyond Kenya, Nigeria’s Sosai Renewable Energies Ltd, led by Habiba Ali, secured the ClimateTech award for expanding rural clean energy access through solar home systems, improved cookstoves and mini-grids.
In FinTech, Somo Africa Trust, under Managing Director Catherine Masolia, was recognised for supporting micro-entrepreneurs across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with training, funding and market access.
