Esther Kimani (CEO of FarmerLifeline) was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Kenyan inventor became the third woman to win the Africa Prize in its ten-year history with her pioneering crop pest and disease detection gadget, which earned her £50,000.
After receiving instruction and assistance for eight months, sixteen African entrepreneurs stood before the judges, which was streamed online to present their Indigenous technical solutions aimed at revolutionising the continent.
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The winner’s remark
Being declared the winner of Africa’s most significant engineering prize, Esther applauds the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 2024 Africa Prize for Engineering and counts it as a fantastic honour for her agricultural pests and disease detection system.
“This recognition is a tremendous encouragement for me as the founder and a powerful inspiration for my entire team, reminding us that beyond the hard work we put in, there are silent claps of people celebrating our impact.
We are motivated to keep pushing the boundaries, reaching every underserved farmer, and putting smiles on their faces as we pursue our mission to end hunger and extreme poverty through innovative agricultural technology,” she remarked.
She further thanked the Royal Academy of Engineering and everyone who supported her on the journey of winning the prize.
About the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
The most significant award in Africa for engineering innovation is the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, established by the Royal Academy of Engineering. African innovators creating scalable engineering solutions to address regional problems are given commercialisation support through the Prize.
These developments highlight the value of engineering in raising living standards and advancing the economy. This year celebrates ten years of African innovation leadership.
The Academy conducts programmes in the UK and abroad to promote engineering innovation and research and enhance engineering’s role in creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world. Through their esteemed Awards, they honour and acknowledge the most outstanding engineering talent whose accomplishments profoundly affect society.
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About the Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Academy of Engineering is a fellowship that unites an unparalleled network of professionals from every branch of engineering and technology, a National Academy that offers progressive leadership, and a charity that serves the public good.
They use engineering to create an inclusive economy and a sustainable society that benefits all.
Together with their fellows and partners, they are fostering innovation, forming international alliances, influencing public policy, cultivating talent, and preparing people for the future.