Milken-Motsepe Prize Launches $2 Million Circular Economy Competition for African Businesses ·Motsepe Prize Launches $2 Million Circular Economy Competition for African Businesses

The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation have opened applications for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy, inviting innovative companies across Africa to compete for US$2 million in prize funding.

The competition seeks scalable, technology-driven businesses that are transforming waste into value while strengthening circular economy practices across the continent. The winning company will receive a US$1 million Grand Prize, alongside opportunities to connect with investors, industry leaders, and key decision-makers.

Beyond financial support, participating businesses will gain valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to showcase their innovations to global stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable development.

Advancing Circular Economy Innovation Across Africa

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy aims to accelerate businesses that are reducing waste, extending the lifecycle of materials, and building more resource-efficient value chains.

The competition focuses on commercially viable enterprises that combine technology with sustainable business models capable of delivering measurable environmental and social impact.

Successful applicants should demonstrate solutions that:

• Reduce waste generation.
• Keep materials in productive use.
• Improve resource efficiency.
• Support sustainable economic growth.
• Generate positive environmental outcomes.
• Create employment opportunities across Africa.

Organisers are particularly interested in businesses with proven operations and clear plans for scaling their impact.

Priority Industry Sectors

Applications are welcomed from companies operating across a broad range of industries where circular economy solutions can create meaningful change.

Eligible sectors include:

• Agriculture and food systems.
• Plastics and packaging.
• Electronics.
• Textiles.
• Construction and the built environment.

Businesses from these sectors are expected to submit industry-specific performance metrics demonstrating both commercial success and measurable sustainability outcomes.

Prize Structure and Funding Opportunities

The competition offers multiple funding opportunities throughout the selection process, rewarding promising businesses as they advance.

The award structure includes:

• Ten semifinalists, each receiving US$50,000.
• Five finalists, each receiving an additional US$50,000.
• One Grand Prize winner, receiving US$1 million.
• One runner-up, receiving US$250,000.

In total, the competition provides US$2 million in prize funding while supporting participating companies with mentorship, networking, and visibility throughout the programme.

Eligibility Requirements

The Milken-Motsepe Prize is designed for established companies that have already demonstrated commercial traction and operational success.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• More than two years of continuous business operations.
• More than US$500,000 in revenue and raised capital.
• Existing institutional, corporate, or public-sector partnerships.
• Solutions currently operating within Africa.
• Demonstrated social impact and job creation.
• Operational readiness to effectively deploy investments exceeding US$1 million.

The organisers are seeking businesses capable of scaling rapidly while delivering measurable economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Judging Criteria

Participating companies will be evaluated across several key performance areas to determine their potential for large-scale impact.

Assessment criteria include:

• Commercial viability.
• Market scalability.
• Workforce development and social impact.
• Circularity and environmental performance.
• Technology innovation.
• Strength of business model.

Judges will prioritise solutions capable of creating sustainable value while addressing Africa’s growing waste management and resource efficiency challenges.

Competition Timeline

The prize competition will take place over three major stages.

Application Submission and Semifinal Selection

Companies submit their applications, business models, and supporting materials.

Following evaluation, ten semifinalists will be selected and awarded US$50,000 each.

Pitch Event and Finalist Selection

Semifinalists will present their innovations before a panel of judges, industry leaders, and decision-makers.

Five finalist companies will advance to the next stage, with each receiving an additional US$50,000.

Grand Prize Selection

Finalists will submit comprehensive materials for the final assessment.

Following review, judges will announce:

• One Grand Prize winner receiving US$1 million.
• One runner-up receiving US$250,000.

Supporting Africa’s Circular Economy Transition

The competition reflects growing global interest in circular economy solutions as a pathway toward sustainable development and climate resilience.

According to programme information:

• Global waste management costs exceed US$100 billion.
• Investments in Africa’s circular economy could create approximately two million jobs.
• Expanding closed-loop business models has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening resource efficiency across the continent.

By recognising innovative businesses already delivering measurable results, the Milken-Motsepe Prize aims to accelerate investment into scalable African enterprises capable of transforming waste into economic opportunity.

Opportunity for High-Growth African Enterprises

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy offers established African businesses an opportunity to secure significant funding while showcasing their innovations on an international stage.

Through financial support, strategic partnerships, investor engagement, and increased visibility, the programme seeks to empower businesses that are driving the transition toward more sustainable production, consumption, and resource management across Africa.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.