Four Africans Named to MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Innovators Under 35

The MIT Technology Review has announced its 2026 list of Innovators Under 35, featuring 35 young scientists and entrepreneurs from across the globe. Among this year’s honorees are four Africans who are making significant contributions in diverse fields:

  • Joseph Nguthiru (Kenya) - Founder of HyaPak, addressing water hyacinth pollution with biodegradable packaging solutions
  • Diana Orembe (Tanzania) - CEO of NovFeed, creating affordable fish feed from food waste
  • Paschal Kija (Tanzania) - Co-creator of the Mkanda Salama compression belt for postpartum hemorrhage treatment
  • Loza Tadesse (Ethiopia/MIT) - Mechanical engineering professor developing portable diagnostic tools and AI spectral analysis platforms

The annual list, now in its third decade, recognizes individuals under 35 who are demonstrating exceptional innovation and potential. Past honorees include notable figures like Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek.

Addressing Local Challenges with Innovative Solutions

Each of these African innovators is tackling pressing issues within their communities using technology:

Joseph Nguthiru’s HyaPak converts invasive water hyacinth into cellulose packaging, creating both environmental remediation and economic opportunities for local fishermen. The company is already expanding beyond Kenya through partnerships with German logistics firms.

Diana Orembe’s NovFeed transforms food waste into affordable fish feed, addressing a critical challenge for Tanzanian aquaculture farmers who previously relied on expensive imports or unsustainable alternatives.

Paschal Kija and his team developed the Mkanda Salama compression belt to treat postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal death in Tanzania. The device has shown promising results in clinical trials and is now deployed across 85 healthcare facilities.

Diaspora Innovation with Global Impact

While three honorees are building solutions directly within their home countries, Loza Tadesse represents the growing impact of African diaspora talent. As a mechanical engineering professor at MIT, she’s developing portable diagnostic tools that could transform healthcare access in resource-limited settings.

The inclusion of these four innovators underscores Africa’s rising prominence as a global hub for technological innovation, with solutions addressing both local challenges and broader international needs.