Tracy Achieng Takes First Runner-Up, Priscilla Adhiambo Takes Second Place
Accra, Ghana | 28 August 2026
An idea focused on using clean energy to address food processing, food security and post-harvest losses has taken the top spot at the 2026 innovation Challenge (AfroHackathon) .
Blessing Unoka (Nigeria) emerged as the winner following the final pitch at the Future of Energy Conference 2026 in Accra, Ghana, where African innovators came together to present solutions addressing real challenges across the continent’s energy landscape.
Blessing’s solution, Solar Powered Fortified Food Processing with an Integrated Biodigester Waste to Energy System, stood out for its approach to using renewable energy to support food processing while responding to challenges around post-harvest losses, food security and access to reliable energy.
As the winner of the 2026 AfroHackathon, Blessing will receive US$5,000, alongside opportunities for recognition and collaboration to support the continued development and visibility of her work.
Tracy Achieng (Kenya) took First Runner-Up, while Priscilla Adhiambo (Kenya) took Second Runner-Up.
The three top innovators were selected following the finalists’ presentations and assessment during the final stage of the AfroHackathon in Accra.
The 2026 AfroHackathon brought together African innovators developing practical solutions across the energy and lithium-ion battery ecosystem. The programme gave participants an opportunity to present their ideas, engage with experts and stakeholders, build connections and explore opportunities to develop their work further.
The AfroHackathon was organised by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) in partnership with Africa Change Lab (ACL) as part of the wider Future of Energy Conference 2026 Innovation Challenge.
Speaking on the outcome, Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), said:
“The AfroHackathon has shown the strength of African innovation. We congratulate Blessing on her win and all the finalists for bringing forward solutions to real challenges.”
Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe, Executive Director of Africa Change Lab (ACL), added:
“The AfroHackathon creates space for African innovators to bring their ideas forward. We are proud of this year’s finalists and look forward to seeing where their ideas go next.”
The programme reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for African innovators to develop and showcase solutions that respond to the continent’s realities and contribute to its energy future.
Beyond the competition, the AfroHackathon provides finalists with opportunities for recognition, collaboration, exposure and connections within Africa’s energy and innovation ecosystem.
The 2026 edition also brought the finalists into the wider Future of Energy Conference, where they engaged with policymakers, investors, industry leaders, researchers and other stakeholders working across Africa’s energy ecosystem.
For the innovators, the AfroHackathon provided an opportunity to move their ideas from applications to the final pitch, putting their solutions in front of a wider audience and opening up conversations around collaboration and what could come next.
The 2026 edition marks the beginning of the AfroHackathon as an ongoing platform for African innovation, creating opportunities for new innovators to bring forward ideas and solutions to challenges across the continent.
About the AfroHackathon
The AfroHackathon is a pan-African innovation platform focused on solutions across the lithium-ion battery value chain and related clean energy opportunities.
It brings together African students, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators developing practical solutions around areas including battery technology, energy storage, mobility, value addition, recycling and circularity.
The AfroHackathon is Track 2 of the Future of Energy Conference Innovation Challenge.
About Africa Change Lab
Africa Change Lab (ACL) is a non-profit organisation that works to strengthen collaboration across groups advancing Africa’s climate, energy and development agenda through collective action, research and campaigns.
About Africa Centre for Energy Policy
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is an independent policy think tank working to promote evidence-based research, policy analysis, capacity development and advocacy for the effective and equitable use of energy and extractive resources in Africa.
Media Contact
Africa Change Lab (ACL)
Email: soaicls@africachangelab.org
Website: www.africachangelab.org
Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)
Email: info@acep.africa
Website: www.acep.africa
