NIAMEY, Niger – Nigerien engineer Mamane Kabirou Ousseini has won the £50,000 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. His invention, Likita Care, is a locally developed medical monitoring system already operating in healthcare facilities across Niger.
The innovation addresses a major challenge in African healthcare: dependence on imported medical equipment. Such devices can be expensive to repair, while replacement parts are often difficult to obtain. Ousseini developed Likita Care after encountering broken monitoring equipment in Nigerien hospitals.
Likita Care combines connected medical devices, clinical software and artificial intelligence to monitor patients’ vital signs. Healthcare workers can view patient information through a central dashboard and identify changes that require attention. The technology supports faster clinical decisions without replacing medical professionals.
According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, more than 70 monitoring units operate across five medical centres in Niger. The technology has also undergone testing involving over 100 patients and generated more than 4,000 data points.
Ousseini is the first engineer from Niger to win the Africa Prize. The award recognises African entrepreneurs developing practical solutions to challenges facing their communities. Organisers presented the prize in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 28 October 2026.
His achievement highlights the growing potential of African-made healthcare technology. Local manufacturing could reduce dependence on imported devices and make repairs more accessible. It could also create opportunities for engineers, technicians and technology businesses.
The £50,000 award will support plans to expand production and enter neighbouring West African markets. However, wider adoption will require financing, regulatory approvals and continued evidence of the system’s reliability.
Other African innovators also received recognition at the competition. Kenyan engineer Alice Muhuhu won £10,000 for MoyoECG, a portable heart-monitoring device designed to support faster diagnosis. South African engineer Dyllon Randall received £10,000 for Pee-Cycling, which converts human urine into fertiliser and treated water.
These projects demonstrate how African engineers are developing practical solutions in healthcare, agriculture and environmental management. They also show the value of designing technology around local needs.
Ousseini’s success marks another step towards greater African participation in medical technology development. Likita Care has moved beyond an initial concept, with more than 70 devices already deployed. Its next challenge is to reach more healthcare facilities while maintaining affordability, quality and reliable technical support.
