Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Africa and elsewhere have three additional weeks to fine-tune the presentation of their innovative solution to meet the challenges of sustainable development, in line with the guidelines of the “Zayed Prize for Sustainability”. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the initiator of the annual competition, has decided to extend the deadline for applications for the 2021 edition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Originally set for the May 21, 2020, the deadline has been extended to June 11, 2020. Projects are submitted via the global award website. It is based on five themes listed by the organising committee. These include water and energy.
The application process for the 13th edition of the “Zayed Prize for Sustainability” was opened on January 27, 2020. Through this competition, which rewards impact, innovation and inspiration, the United Arab Emirates wants to engage African and foreign entrepreneurs in finding solutions for a sustainable future. Each category is endowed with $600,000 for the winners.
Several African countries have already won the “Zayed Prize for Sustainability”. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, African Leadership Academy, located outside Johannesburg, South Africa, has been recognized for developing an innovative grey water treatment system. The system uses solar energy to reduce its impact on the climate.
The “Zayed Prize for Sustainability”, established in 2008, is an evolution of the Zayed Future Energy Award. The winners for 2021 will be announced at the annual award ceremony during Abu Dhabi’s Sustainability Week in January 2021.
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Inès Magoum