The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) of Ethiopia has announced a call for applications for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027, targeting Ethiopian startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The prize, established in 2008 in memory of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, recognizes innovative solutions in sustainability.
According to the official Zayed Sustainability Prize website, the total prize fund is $5.9 million, distributed across five categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools. Each category winner receives $600,000, except for Global High Schools, which awards $600,000 shared among six schools. The prize has been awarded annually since 2009.
Ethiopian startups and SMEs are encouraged to apply in the relevant categories. The application deadline is typically in the second half of the year, though exact dates for the 2027 cycle have not been confirmed as of June 16, 2026. Applicants must demonstrate a proven impact in their field and a commitment to sustainability.
Previous winners from Africa include projects in renewable energy, water purification, and agricultural innovation. The prize aims to support scalable solutions that address global challenges in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
