Africa: Three Kenyan Startups Win At Africa Entrepreneurship Awards
AllAfrica
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Three Kenyan startups made history at the Africa Entrepreneurship Awards 2026, winning three out of five continental awards presented during the Sankalp Africa Summit. The event, held at the Sarit Expo Centre, brought together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from more than 50 countries to celebrate groundbreaking innovations across various sectors. Rio Fish Ltd claimed the AgriTech award for its sustainable aquaculture model, M-Taka Solutions won the Circular Tech award for revolutionizing waste collection and recycling systems, and Malaica AG took home the HealthTech prize for its maternal healthcare platform. These achievements underscore Kenya’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and venture growth in Africa.
The Sankalp Africa Awards 2026 were organized by Aavishkaar Group, Intellecap, and the Sankalp Forum, which have long championed entrepreneurial ecosystems across the continent. The event highlighted the transformative potential of African startups, with winners exemplifying how local solutions can address global challenges. Rio Fish Ltd’s innovative approach to sustainable fish farming not only supports food security but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on wild-caught fish. Meanwhile, M-Taka Solutions leveraged technology to streamline waste management, creating a scalable model that empowers informal waste collectors while fostering circular economy practices.
Malaica AG’s HealthTech platform focuses on improving maternal healthcare access in rural Kenya, particularly for underserved communities. The startup uses mobile health tools to connect expectant mothers with critical care services, bridging gaps in healthcare delivery. These achievements reflect the growing trend of African entrepreneurs addressing pressing social and environmental issues through technology-driven solutions.
The event also recognized other notable winners, including Nigeria’s Sosai Renewable Energies Ltd for its contributions to ClimateTech and Somo Africa Trust for its innovative FinTech solutions supporting micro and small enterprises across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. These awards signal a shift in global innovation dynamics
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/26/2026