MBR Water Award: final call for African innovators 🌍💧

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Africa has a real shot at winning in the fifth cycle of this global award, which attracts innovators from across the world every year. For African startups and researchers looking to step onto the international stage, this is more than a competition — it’s a strategic opportunity.

A global benchmark for water innovation 💡🚰

The Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award promotes technological innovation and research on a global scale. Its core focus: solutions for water production, distribution, storage, and purification — challenges that are becoming increasingly critical in a world facing growing water stress (with less than 30% of water readily available for use).

The prize stands at $1 million, roughly equivalent to 600 million CFA francs. This funding aims to support high-impact, forward-thinking projects capable of reshaping access to water.

To take part, applicants must register via the official platform: https://www.mbrwateraward.ae/en/awards/online-application. A necessary step to enter a competition that sits at the forefront of global innovation.

Rethinking freshwater management 💧🌱

About 72% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. Yet only a tiny fraction is usable: just 2% is freshwater, and only 1% is truly accessible for human use. This stark reality underscores the urgency of developing smarter, more sustainable water management solutions.

The fifth edition of the award places strong emphasis on ocean desalination — in other words, turning seawater into drinkable water. This approach is increasingly seen as a viable response to water shortages in many parts of the world.

Another promising avenue is atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). Technologies such as hydro-panels can capture moisture from the air and convert it into clean drinking water. These innovations are particularly relevant for arid and remote regions, where traditional water infrastructure is limited.

Beyond these solutions, a wide range of water treatment technologies are emerging. Competing startups are expected to demonstrate creativity, efficiency, and real-world impact. The award’s priorities align closely with sustainable development goals, aiming to tackle one of the most pressing global challenges: access to clean water.

As water scarcity intensifies, one question remains: will African innovators seize this moment to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions — and claim their place on the global stage?