The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is among five African higher education institutions selected as inaugural winners of the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, a new initiative by the Mastercard Foundation aimed at transforming higher education across the continent.

The Foundation announced the winners on July 20, 2026, alongside the launch of the annual AHEFT Prize, which is backed by a US$500 million commitment over its first decade.

Each of the five winning institutions will receive US$3 million to expand initiatives that improve access to quality higher education and create more opportunities for young people across Africa.

The other recipients are Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) in Burkina Faso, Muni University in Uganda, and the University of Rwanda.

KNUST was recognised in the Excellence in Research and Innovation category for developing one of Africa's leading research and innovation ecosystems.

According to the Mastercard Foundation, the university has successfully translated research into commercial ventures and industry solutions through initiatives such as the Kumasi Business Incubator, Innovation Centre and Technology Consultancy Centre, demonstrating how science, technology and entrepreneurship can drive economic transformation and job creation.

Addis Ababa University received recognition for aligning research with national development priorities and integrating scientific research with healthcare delivery through its partnership with Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.

The International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) was honoured for excellence in teaching and learning after producing practice-ready engineering graduates, with about 70 percent securing employment within a year of graduation.

Muni University received the award in the Transitions to Employment category for helping refugees and underserved youth secure employment through its Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI).

The University of Rwanda was recognised in the Health category for its contribution to strengthening the country's healthcare system through the training of more than 26,000 health professionals and advancing digital health and biomedical innovation.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mastercard Foundation, Sewit Ahderom, said the prize recognises African universities that are transforming higher education and expanding opportunities for young people.

"For twenty years we have seen African institutions rethink what higher education can deliver. The AHEFT Prize turns that proof into momentum by backing home-grown excellence with a decade-long commitment so that universities across the continent become engines of opportunity for millions of young people," she said.

Executive Director of Higher Education Initiatives at the Mastercard Foundation, Dr John Nkengasong, said the initiative seeks to reposition universities as drivers of employment, innovation and economic development.

The AHEFT Prize recognises institutions making transformational impact in areas including teaching and learning, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, transitions to employment, climate and environment, agriculture, health, and STEM, digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Over the next decade, the Mastercard Foundation plans to recognise and support at least 150 higher education institutions across Africa through the initiative.

The inaugural winners will officially receive their awards during the Higher Education Transformation Convening scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Accra.