Applications are open for the 2026 Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy, which seeks to support scalable companies utilizing technology to advance circular economy practices across various industries in Africa. The initiative offers a total of $2 million in prizes, featuring a $1 million Grand Prize. In addition to financial awards, participating companies will gain access to exclusive networking events and have the opportunity to present their business models to industry leaders and key decision-makers.
Program Focus and Evaluation
• Winning Team Profile: The prize will be awarded to a team that demonstrates a commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy business operating in Africa with a clear path to scale.
• Core Objectives: The business must reduce waste, keep materials in circulation, and deliver measurable environmental and social impact through stronger, more resource-efficient value chains.
• Evaluation Criteria: Teams will be assessed based on commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact.
Target Industries
Teams from a variety of business sectors are encouraged to apply and will be required to submit category-specific metrics from industries including, but not limited to:
• Agriculture & Food Systems
• Plastics & Packaging
• Electronics
• Textiles
• Construction & The Built Environment
Eligibility Requirements
The program is seeking companies that meet the following criteria:
• Operational History: Over 2 years of continuous operation.
• Financials: Over $500k in combined revenue and raised capital.
• Partnerships: Established institutional, corporate, and/or public-sector partnerships.
• Geographic Focus: The solution must be currently deployed on the African continent.
• Impact: Clear evidence of social impact and job creation.
• Scalability: Demonstrated operational readiness to deploy $1M+ in funding.
Award Structure and Timeline
• Application Deadline: August 13, 2026.
• Application Submission & Semifinalist Announcement: Teams submit their designs and business models, after which 10 semifinalists are selected. Each semifinalist receives US$50,000.
• Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement: Semifinalists pitch to industry leaders and judges. From this group, 5 finalists are selected, with each receiving an additional US$50,000.
• Grand Prize Submission & Announcement: Finalists submit their final materials for judging. The Grand Prize winner receives US$1,000,000, and the runner-up receives US$250,000.
For complete details and to access the application portal, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official webpage of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy.