Al-Sumait Prize for African Development Grant
In context
This call is open to non-profits, universities and research institutions and 2 others. Funding is a prize or award of Up to $1,000,000. Coverage is read from the notice itself: Africa.
Annual prize recognizing individuals and institutions for significant advances in food security, health, and education across Africa, with rotating focus areas and awards up to $1M. Eligible projects include best studies, scientific research, applied research, and innovative initiatives demonstrating lasting economic and social development impact.
About this grant
The Al-Sumait Prize for African Development is an annual award established by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait, to honor individuals or institutions who have made significant advances in food security, health, and education in Africa. Administered by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and a Board of Trustees comprising respected philanthropists and experts, the prize celebrates work and accomplishments that advance sustainable development on the African continent. The prize recognizes best studies, scientific projects, applied research, and innovative initiatives that have significant impact and lasting influence on economic and social development, human resources development, and infrastructure in Africa, particularly drawing inspiration from Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, a Kuwaiti physician who dedicated his life to helping the poor in Africa through health and education initiatives. The prize is awarded annually within one of three rotating fields—Food Security, Health, and Education—with an award value of $1,000,000.
Get the official link (free account)
Create a free account to open the official notice and application link: 1 official link a month, free. Pro opens every link.
Eligibility
The prize recognizes individuals or institutions working in Africa in the fields of food security, health, and education. Specific eligibility criteria regarding organization type, geographic location within Africa, stage of work, or prior recipient restrictions are not detailed on the provided page.
How it's scored
Applications are judged by an international Board of Trustees comprising respected philanthropists and experts in the field. The evaluation focuses on the significance of impact and lasting influence on advancing progress to economic and social development in Africa. Specific scoring rubrics or weightings are not provided on the page.
Key requirements
- ✓Significant advances in food security, health, or education in Africa (rotating annual focus)
- ✓Best studies, scientific projects, applied research, or innovative initiatives with demonstrated lasting impact
- ✓Eligible for individuals or institutions with track record of economic and social development outcomes
Recent past awardees
Knowing who's won the last rounds tells you whether you're in the strike zone.
- CAMFED – The Campaign for Female Education · 2023 · $1M
- Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) · 2022 · $1M
- The African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases · 2021 · $1M
- Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy · 2020 · $1M
- Ubongo Learning · 2020 · $1M
- The Africa Rice Center · 2019 · $1M
- Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) · 2019 · $1M
- Rakai Health Sciences Program · 2018 · $1M
Funder contact
The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- How much funding does Al-Sumait Prize for African Development offer?
- Al-Sumait Prize for African Development offers up to $1M.
- Who can apply for Al-Sumait Prize for African Development?
- Eligibility covers organisations in AFRICA; nonprofit, university, research-institution, individual, social-enterprise. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.
Relevant sectors
About this sector
Food systems funding covers sustainable production, supply-chain resilience, food loss, nutrition and smallholder livelihoods. It is offered by agriculture and development agencies, multilateral programmes and foundations, often with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Applicants are generally asked to show local partnerships and how benefits reach farmers or consumers.
Free accounts: 1 official link a month · Pro: every link
Quick facts
Get alerts for notices like this
Create a free account and we save a search for this sector and country, so new grants like this one arrive in your weekly email.
Get alerts, free →