Five leading African universities have been recognised for driving meaningful change in higher education through the inaugural Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize. Launched by the Mastercard Foundation, the new annual award will invest USD 500 million over the next decade to support universities that expand opportunities for young people and strengthen higher education across the continent.
The first five winning institutions will each receive USD 3 million to scale projects that improve education, research, innovation and graduate outcomes.
A New Prize for Higher Education Excellence
The Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize is the first initiative of its kind dedicated to recognising African higher education institutions delivering long-term, institution-wide transformation.
The Prize celebrates excellence across areas including teaching and learning, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, transitions to employment, health, climate, agriculture and STEM.
Over the next 10 years, the Mastercard Foundation plans to recognise at least 150 higher education institutions across Africa.
The 2026 AHEFT Prize Winners
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Category – Excellence in Research and Innovation
Addis Ababa University was recognised for aligning research with national priorities while strengthening workforce development and public services. Its partnership with Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital supports large-scale clinical training, research and healthcare delivery for approximately 884,000 patients each year.
International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, Burkina Faso
Category – Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Known as 2iE, the institute was recognised for its practical engineering education model. Established by 16 African countries in the Sahel region, it has trained more than 13,000 graduates. Around 70 per cent secure employment within 12 months of graduation, while more than 95 per cent continue working across Africa in sectors such as water, climate, energy and infrastructure.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Category – Excellence in Research and Innovation
KNUST was recognised for creating one of Africa’s strongest research and innovation ecosystems. Through initiatives including the Kumasi Business Incubator, Innovation Centre and Technology Consultancy Centre, the university converts research into start-ups, industry partnerships and practical solutions that support economic growth and job creation.
Muni University, Uganda
Category – Transitions to Employment
Muni University received the award for creating successful pathways from education into employment, particularly for refugees and underserved young people. Through its Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI), up to 70 per cent of participants secure employment within three months of completing the programme.
University of Rwanda, Rwanda
Category – Excellence in Health
The University of Rwanda was recognised for strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce by training more than 26,000 health professionals. Its community-based training model reaches nearly 500,000 people through clinical placements, outreach programmes and university health services. The university has also become a regional leader in digital health, vaccinology, biomedical engineering and health systems innovation.
Supporting Long Term Change Across Africa
The AHEFT Prize is designed to encourage universities to deliver lasting institutional change rather than isolated projects.
Winning institutions will work with the Mastercard Foundation on agreed initiatives that expand educational opportunities for young people while strengthening teaching, research, innovation and employability.
Additionally, the programme aims to encourage universities across Africa to adopt practices that improve student outcomes, strengthen local economies and address national development priorities.
Awards Ceremony in Ghana
The inaugural AHEFT Prize winners will be honoured during the Higher Education Transformation Convening in Accra, Ghana, on 22 September 2026.
The event will bring together higher education leaders, policymakers, educators and development partners to discuss the future of African universities and showcase successful institutional transformation.
Why This Matters for Higher Education
Strong universities play a vital role in developing skilled graduates, supporting research and driving innovation.
By recognising institutions that create measurable impact, the AHEFT Prize highlights models that other universities across Africa can adapt to improve student success, graduate employability and research excellence.
For students, educators and education leaders, the initiative demonstrates how universities can become stronger engines of opportunity and sustainable development.
