The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Äänit Prize supports initiatives that can deliver positive social impact for Africa’s most marginalised populations. The competition is open to alumni of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) seek businesses or non-profit projects that will deliver social impact, that are feasible and sustainable prospects, and that are run by people with the capability to succeed.

Impact Areas

10 impact areas which support the Sustainable Development Goals and are particularly important in the African context.

• Access to affordable housing
• Agriculture and food security
• Climate Change
• Conflict and terrorism
• Education
• Energy access
• Financial services
• Healthcare, water and sanitation
• Infrastructure
• Technology and data

How to Apply

How to apply

 Step 0: Before you start, read this

 Step 1: Indicate interest (16 May 2023 – 30 May 2023)

Submit a short motivation explaining why your project, business, or idea is socially impactful. Tell us how you plan to realise it and why you’re the perfect person/team that has what it takes to make it happen. Don’t self exclude — we’ve designed this part of the process to make applying quick, easy and approachable.

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 Step 2: Wait to be invited to apply

We will review all of the indications of interest and then invite 30 candidates to submit full applications. We will let you know if you are not successful.

 Step 3: Submit your application (9 June 2023 – 10 July 2023)

Submit your application. This will include a written project statement, a project /business plan (maximum of 12 pages) and relevant supporting documents. The 30 applications will be evaluated by reviewers with relevant experience and expertise.

 Step 4: Prepare to pitch

The longlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in the week of 22 August 2023, which will include a short pitch that builds on the value proposition of your written application.

 Step 5: Iterate and improve

The candidates who go through to the final round will receive written comments. They will have 48 hours to improve their proposals and record a two-minute pitch to submit.

 Step 6: Winners decided

The shortlisted candidates’ applications will be sent to an external, independent panel of judges. They will make a final decision on how many winners to choose, and how to allocate the prize money.

The winners will be informed and then announced publicly at a celebration on 16 September 2023.

Application Deadline: 30 May 2023

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Äänit Prize 2023

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