Young innovators secure backing to scale, attract investors

Young sustainability innovators have secured institutional backing from Strathmore University and Absa Kenya Foundation to scale their innovations beyond creations at the Grand Finale of the 2025-2026 #MyLittleBigThing Sustainability Innovation Challenge.

 This collaboration will see them explore a structured program to enable the 16 finalists of the challenge become investor-ready by addressing critical administrative, legal, and intellectual property (IP) protection needs.

 Speaking during the finale, CEO of the National Youth Council (NYC), Gloria Wawira, emphasised that the future of the African continent rests on the shoulders of those who dare to innovate with purpose.

 "We are no longer in an era where youth are mere spectators of development; you are the architects of it," said Gloria Wawira.

 She added:  "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. The National Youth Council is committed to supporting such initiatives that transition our young people from job seekers to sustainable job creators."

 The finale was the climax of a rigorous nine-month impact journey that began in August 2025 at the Safaricom Michael Joseph Centre.

 Out of nearly 500 applicants from across Africa, 150 qualified for a specialised e-learning sustainability course, with the top 50 transitioning to a high-intensity bootcamp at Absa Kenya.

 The final 16 innovators underwent a two-month virtual accelerator programme focused on investment readiness and governance, preparing them to pitch before a distinguished panel of industry judges.

 “This finale marks the culmination of an intensive nine-month journey facilitated by MK-Africa.  The innovators progressed through rigorous training, from sharing their ideas on our platform, participating in a boot camp at Absa Kenya offices, receiving one-on-one mentorship from trainers and mentors, including many of our own colleagues, to testing their solutions within communities to ensure they address real needs,” said Absa Bank Kenya Citizenship Manager Antoninah Moturi.

 She added: “As Absa Kenya Foundation, we support such initiatives because young people are the ones developing practical solutions for challenges within their communities. By investing in them, we are investing in a stronger future for our communities, our country, and the continent.”

 Team Sightra emerged as the overall winners of the challenge with their innovative assistive intelligent navigation solution designed to support visually impaired individuals by making movement safer, easier, and more independent.

 It combines smart scanning technology with a voice-guided mobile app that helps users navigate cities, detect obstacles both in front of and behind them, and access real-time support through voice interaction.

 "At MK-Africa, we are committed to creating an authentic African narrative for sustainability," said MK-Africa CEO Muthoni Kanyana.

 "This is not just about winning a prize; it is about inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders in doing their 'little thing' to solve Africa’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Seeing these 16 finalists ready to scale proves that African youth are not just seeking seats at the table; they’re building the table."

 According to Prof. David Chiawo of Strathmore University, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability, providing innovators with access to Strathmore’s incubation centre and a network of continental university partners.

 The success of the 2025-2026 edition was made possible through the support of a diverse coalition of partners, including Safaricom, Absa Kenya Foundation, Sanlam Allianz Kenya, Christian Aid (SALT Network), and Nation Media Group.

 MK-Africa officially announced that the call for applications for the next edition of the #MyLittleBigThing Challenge will launch in August 2026, focusing on scaling the digital e-learning platform and expanding the innovation ecosystem across the continent.