Call summary :

The KBF Africa Prize rewards African organisations which contribute to sustainably improving the lives of people in Africa.

The Prize is awarded every other year and seeks to draw public attention to the many inspirational stories, challenges and successes emerging from the African continent. Beyond its monetary value of 250.000 €, it offers its winners unique opportunities to increase their visibility and promote their cause to international audiences.

That the Prize’s impact is much more than financial, is confirmed by two former Winners in a short video Crossing continents: the KBF Africa Prize experience.

The call for the KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026 is now open for applications. Before applying, read the selection criteria attentively. Submit your proposal by 3 March 2025.


Who can be awarded?

The KBF Africa Prize rewards organisations which have been established in Africa, by Africans and which are managed and led by Africans.

The Prize pays particular attention to initiatives that tackle challenges in Africa in transformative ways, which are resilient and adaptable in a constantly changing context, which have a long-term vision, and which empower people to take their future into their own hands.
KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026

The call for the KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026 is now open for applications. Before applying, read the selection criteria attentively. Submit your proposal by 3 March 2025.

Selection Committee

The KBF Africa Prize laureate is carefully selected by an independent Selection Committee consisting of 12 international experts.

Selection Criteria

1. Is the candidate an African-initiated and led organisation?
2. Does the candidate have a proven track-record of impact to sustainably improve the lives of people in Africa?
3. Do the organisation’s realisations contribute to societal transformation? Is the candidate working towards a more inclusive society? Does it contribute to more gender equality?
4. Are the organisation’s initiatives embedded at local level? Do they have a multiplicator effect for a range of actors in society? Can they be replicated elsewhere on the continent and/or worldwide?
5. Does the organisation have a capable leadership to fulfil its mission and to carry a strong message for both decision-makers and the general public?
6. Does the candidate demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a constantly changing context?
7. Does the candidate subscribe to KBF’s values: integrity and transparency; pluralism and independence; respect for diversity; promotion of solidarity?
8. Is the financial management healthy and transparent? Are audited financial reports available and/or are mechanisms in place to ensure sound financial management?
9. To what extent can the Prize make a difference for the Laureate? Do they still need the Prize in terms of visibility, credibility and recognition?

EXCLUSION CRITERA (PRESELECTION)
1. To ensure diversity of the laureates, the candidate should not be based in the same country as the last 2 laureates of the Prize. For this 2025-2026 edition: Somalia and Tanzania.
2. The candidate should not work on the same broad topics as the last 2 laureates of the Prize. For this 2025-2026 edition: peace-building and women’s economic empowerment.
3. The candidate needs to be active since at least 2021.
4. The candidate should present recommendation letters from two individuals external to the organisation (and not member of its Board