By Rolex Otieno

In a celebration of innovation and the pursuit of solutions to some of Africa's most pressing challenges, the Twende Afrika Innovation Challenge took center stage on December 2. The event, which unfolded on a Saturday, marked a significant milestone in the quest to address issues related to health, poverty, and the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Twende Afrika Innovation Challenge spanned four major African countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria, engaging teams of talented individuals in a competition that sought groundbreaking solutions to real-world problems. The challenge, which officially opened for applications on October 10, received an overwhelming response, with teams from various universities eager to showcase their ingenuity.

In Kenya, a total of 23 teams, representing different universities, registered for the competition. These teams embarked on a journey that tested their technical prowess and challenged them to think critically about issues affecting their communities and the continent at large. The selection process was a meticulous and collaborative effort. The top 10 teams, chosen through a comprehensive evaluation, showcased remarkable innovation and unwavering dedication to addressing real-world problems.

USIU-Africa, Inland Africa Technologies, and Africa Leadership University played pivotal roles as sponsors in the success of the Twende Afrika Innovation Challenge. Their generous support and commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa significantly contributed to creating an environment conducive to the development of the next generation of leaders and problem solvers. Their combined sponsorship underscored the importance of collaboration and investment in initiatives that drive positive change across the continent.

As the competition unfolded, three standout teams emerged as the frontrunners, earning the opportunity to represent Kenya in the final competition in Rwanda. The stakes are high, with a $30,000 prize awaiting the winning team. The teams heading to Rwanda include Eco Clean Fuel from USIU-Africa as the 2nd runner-up, Taka Points from KCA University as the 1st runner-up, and Sophia from JKUAT as the 3rd runner-up.

These three teams will carry the hopes of Kenya into the final round of the Twende Afrika Innovation Challenge, scheduled for March, 2024. The stage is set for them to compete against the top teams from Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria, as they vie for the prestigious title and the substantial cash prize. The Twende Afrika Innovation Challenge serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the potential that lies within the minds of Africa's youth. By harnessing the capabilities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, these young innovators are paving the way for a brighter future, one solution at a time. The journey has just begun, and the impact of this event is sure to reverberate across the continent for years to come.