In an exclusive interview, Mubarak Sumaila, representing Nyla Bank and one of the 10 semi-finalists of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, shares insights into his team’s groundbreaking efforts to drive financial inclusion for small businesses. Sumaila discusses the inspiration behind their solution, how it stands apart from existing innovations, and the transformative impact they envision for underserved communities.
Read and watch the full interview here.
Applications are open for the US$2 million Milken-Motsepe Prize, which aims to support African AI solutions transforming manufacturing. The Milken-Motsepe Prize is aimed at companies in Africa revolutionising manufacturing value chains in emerging markets by leveraging AI and other emerging technologies. Read the full article here.
Building on a track record of innovation in AgriTech, FinTech, and Sustainability, the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation have unveiled their boldest challenge yet: the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing. With $2 million in total prize money, including a $1 million Grand Prize, the global competition aims to catalyze cutting-edge solutions that harness artificial intelligence, data analytics, and smart manufacturing to transform Africa’s industrial landscape. The announcement was made during the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, where the prize was positioned as a game-changer for local production, supply chain resilience, and inclusive job creation across the continent. Read the full article here.
A new $2 million equity-free prize program, backed by South African billionaire Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the Milken Institute, is placing artificial intelligence and manufacturing at the heart of Africa’s technology ambitions. Unveiled at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing marks the fourth—and most ambitious—edition in a growing series of innovation challenges designed to tackle Africa’s structural issues through technology. This round turns a sharp focus to artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing—two sectors where African participation has remained limited despite strong global momentum. Read the full article here.
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