Strathmore University and Absa Kenya Foundation Back Young Innovators to Scale Sustainability Solutions
Young sustainability innovators from across Africa are set to take their ideas to the next level after securing institutional backing from Strathmore University and Absa Kenya Foundation at the Grand Finale of the 2025/2026 #MyLittleBigThing Sustainability Innovation Challenge.
The partnership will support the 16 finalists through a structured programme aimed at making them investor-ready by addressing key administrative, legal, and intellectual property (IP) protection requirements—critical steps in transforming early-stage innovations into scalable ventures.
Speaking at the finale, CEO of the National Youth Council, Gloria Wawira, underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping Africa’s future.
“We are no longer in an era where youth are mere spectators of development; you are the architects of it,” she said. “The solutions we have seen today, spanning digital inclusion to climate resilience, demonstrate that when provided with the right tools and platforms like #MyLittleBigThing, Kenyan and African youth are ready to solve global problems with local context.”
She added that the Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that transition young people from job seekers to sustainable job creators.
The finale marked the culmination of a rigorous nine-month innovation journey led by MK-Africa. The programme began in August 2025 at the Safaricom Michael Joseph Centre, attracting nearly 500 applicants from across the continent.
From this pool, 150 participants advanced to a specialised e-learning sustainability course, with the top 50 proceeding to an intensive bootcamp hosted at Absa Kenya. The final 16 innovators then participated in a two-month virtual accelerator focused on governance and investment readiness, culminating in pitches before a panel of industry judges.
“This finale marks the culmination of an intensive nine-month journey facilitated by MK-Africa,” said Antoninah Moturi. “The innovators progressed through rigorous training—from ideation and mentorship to testing their solutions within communities to ensure they address real needs.”
She noted that the Absa Kenya Foundation supports such initiatives as a way of investing in community-driven solutions and long-term socio-economic development.
Emerging as the overall winners were Team Sightra, whose assistive intelligent navigation solution is designed to support visually impaired individuals. The innovation combines smart scanning technology with a voice-guided mobile application, enabling users to navigate urban environments more safely, detect obstacles in real time, and access voice-based assistance.
“At MK-Africa, we are committed to creating an authentic African narrative for sustainability,” said Muthoni Kanyana. “This is not just about winning a prize; it is about inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders.”
According to Prof. David Chiawo, the collaboration with Strathmore University aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability. Finalists will gain access to the university’s incubation centre and a broader network of continental academic partners.
The success of the 2025/2026 challenge was driven by a coalition of partners, including Safaricom, Absa Kenya Foundation, Sanlam Allianz Kenya, Christian Aid (SALT Network), and Nation Media Group.
Looking ahead, MK-Africa announced that applications for the next edition of the #MyLittleBigThing Sustainability Innovation Challenge will open in August 2026. The upcoming cycle will focus on scaling its digital e-learning platform and expanding Africa’s sustainability innovation ecosystem.
Mark your calendars! The GreenShift Sustainability Forum is back in Nairobi this August. Join innovators, policymakers & sustainability leaders for a breakfast forum as we explore sustainable solutions shaping the continent’s future. Limited slots – Get your early bird tickets now – here. Email info@techtrendsmedia.co.ke for partnership requests.
Go to ECONEWS.co.ke for more sustainability news from the African continent and across the world.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
