SafeSip Shortlisted for 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

LONDON, UK — The Royal Academy of Engineering has officially announced the 2026 shortlist for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, featuring Tanzanian engineering venture SafeSip and its revolutionary AI-powered “WaterBank.”

As Africa’s biggest prize dedicated to engineering innovation, the London-based award recognizes SafeSip’s mission to transform water access for rural and peri-urban communities. SafeSip’s WaterBank is an off-grid, solar-powered utility that treats water on-site, monitors itself via AI to prevent breakdowns, and provides 24/7 access through prepaid RFID cards.

Engineering “Water Systems 2.0”
Developed by CEO Faith Kuya and co-founders Costantine Edward, Samwel Mdenye, WaterBank addresses the critical failure of traditional water kiosks.

• AI & Reliability: The system uses AI to track pressure and flow, alerting technicians to potential issues before they cause downtime.
• Advanced Filtration: A kidney-inspired 0.01-micron membrane removes 99.99% of pathogens and desalinates borehole water.
• Financial Inclusion: Cashless RFID cards make water collection safer for children and provide users with a sense of financial ownership.

Proven Local Impact
Currently operating four units in Tanzania, SafeSip serves over 6,000 users monthly. The innovation has led to a 30% reduction in waterborne diseases and a 43% drop in diarrhea cases in served areas. Beyond health, the reliable supply has sparked local economic growth, enabling new small businesses like car washes.

“Being shortlisted for the Africa Prize in London is a significant milestone,” says Faith Kuya, CEO of SafeSip. “I grew up in a community without safe water and saw the burden it placed on families. We designed WaterBank to be ‘Water Systems 2.0’—a system that runs reliably without constant oversight. We look forward to the Academy’s mentorship as we scale this technology to reach thousands more.”

About SafeSip
SafeSip is a Tanzanian-based environmental engineering startup. Since its inception as a university project, the company has grown to 12 employees, secured $150,000 in funding, and won multiple awards for its tech-driven approach to water security.

About the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
Founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK, the Africa Prize supports ambitious African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions to local challenges. It provides a unique package of support, including funding, commercialization training, and networking.