Esther Kimani and Kevin Maina have made it to the finals of the 2024 Africa Prize for AI and machine learning.
In a bid to create sustainable, scalable engineering solutions in Africa, four finalists out of the sixteen innovators initially shortlisted for the prize have been selected to present their innovations to the world.
Esther became a finalist through her early crop pest and detection device. The solar-powered tool uses AI and machine learning-enabled cameras to instantly detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases, with the capacity to increase farm yields for smallholders at 40% and reduce crop losses at 30%.
Aside from the ability to provide alerts within five seconds of an infestation, Kimani’s innovation also offers intervention suggestions and alerts the government about the agricultural threat, contributing to broader agricultural efforts.
Her innovation leases for $3 per month, which is cheaper than hiring drones or agricultural inspectors, making it affordable for smallholder farmers. In addition, it provides valuable data for policymakers through a live agricultural tracking data dashboard.
On the other hand, Maina’s innovation features an eco-friendly material made from recycled plastic, stronger and lighter than traditional clay and concrete tiles. The innovation is a solution to plastic pollution and high building costs.
These innovations target the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
The winner will receive £50,000 and other finalists will receive £15,000 each. Unlike previous years, the prize was doubled in celebration of the Africa’s Prize 10th year anniversary. The other finalists will be awarded the opportunity to present their innovations, and an audience poll will select one of them to receive £5,000.
The continent’s largest engineering prize will be hosted by the Royal Academy on 13 June, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Other finalists include Martin Tuusiime from Uganda and Rory Assandey from Cote d’Ivoire.
