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Nelson Mandela Essay Prize 2026

Key Information
Organisation
Mandela Foundation & Partners
Status
Open
Application Deadline
18 Jul 2026 · 47 days left
Program Type
Prize
Amount
USD 5,000

About this Program

A prestigious opportunity for African thinkers to propose transformative ideas for the continents future.

Benefits & What You Get

Cash prize; publication in high-level journals; mentorship from retired African heads of state.

Eligibility

African citizens under 35 with a passion for public policy and continental development.

Startups That Could Apply

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Yoco South Africa Payments for SA small business
South Africa
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Hubtel Ghana Ghana's digital commerce pioneer
Ghana
Startup
mPharma Ghana Reimagining African pharmacy
Ghana
Startup
InstaDeep Tunisia AI champion acquired by BioNTech
Tunisia
Startup
Instabug Mobile app performance from Cairo
Egypt
Startup
Kiira Motors Corporation East Africa's first solar bus
Uganda

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