Young Innovators Win Strathmore University and Absa Kenya Foundation Partnership at #MyLittleBigThing 2026 Grand Finale
Absa Bank Kenya Hurlingham Branch Manager Robert Omare, Treasury Financial Business Partner Gladys Wamugi (2nd right) and MK Africa CEO Muthoni Kanyana (right) award Marilyn Gathiru (2nd left) and Godfrey Noel after their solution dubbed “Kilimora” won the most bankable innovation during the grand finale of the 2025/2026 #MyLittleBigThing Sustainability Innovation Challenge.
NAIROBI, Kenya | April 28, 2026 — A new wave of African sustainability innovators has secured key institutional backing from Strathmore University and the Absa Kenya Foundation, following the Grand Finale of the 2025/2026 #MyLittleBigThing Sustainability Innovation Challenge.
The partnership cements a structured post-competition program that will help the 16 finalists transition their ideas into investor-ready ventures through training in business registration, governance, and intellectual property (IP) protection N critical steps for scaling sustainable enterprises.
Speaking at the event, National Youth Council (NYC) CEO Gloria Wawira commended the young innovators for redefining Africa’s development narrative.
“We are no longer in an era where youth are mere spectators of development; you are the architects of it,” she said. “The solutions showcased here from digital inclusion to climate resilience prove that when equipped with the right platforms, African youth can craft global solutions rooted in local realities.”
The finale marked the culmination of a nine-month innovation journey that began at the Safaricom Michael Joseph Centre in August 2025. Nearly 500 applicants from across Africa joined the challenge; 150 advanced to an e-learning sustainability course, 50 to a bootcamp hosted by Absa Kenya, and finally 16 to a two-month virtual accelerator that honed their investment and business readiness.
Absa Bank Kenya’s Citizenship Manager Antoninah Moturi highlighted the challenge’s real-world focus:
“These innovators didn’t just learn they tested their ideas within communities to ensure real impact. By investing in them, we are investing in the future of our continent.”
Team Sightra emerged as the overall winner, impressing judges with an assistive navigation system for visually impaired users. The innovation integrates smart scanning and voice-guided technology to make movement in urban environments safer and more independent.
MK-Africa CEO Muthoni Kanyana described the initiative as a catalyst for African-driven sustainability:
“This isn’t just about winning; it’s about building a generation that does its ‘little thing’ to solve Africa’s big challenges.”
Prof. David Chiawo of Strathmore University said the university’s involvement would bridge the gap between research and real-world application by connecting innovators to incubation hubs and continental networks.
The 2025/2026 edition was realized through partnerships with Safaricom, Absa Kenya Foundation, Sanlam Allianz Kenya, Christian Aid (SALT Network), and Nation Media Group.
Organizers MK-Africa confirmed that applications for the next #MyLittleBigThing Challenge open in August 2026, with plans to expand the digital learning platform and deepen the programme’s continental reach.
