The award honours the outstanding achievements of African researchers, while at the same time facilitating a German-African follow-up project that will help to further develop the research results in the direction of future exploitation. Thus, the award supports German research and innovation players in expanding their cooperation with African partners.

The award is endowed with € 150,000 and will be given in the form of a grant. This goes to the German partner institution with which the African scientist conducts the joint two-year research and innovation project. At least half of the funds must be attributed to the African partner.

Based on an utilisation or exploitation strategy, the German-African project will aim at translating research results with technical or social innovation potential into practical solutions that meet the needs of societies in Africa. If possible, the funded project should lay the groundwork for a sustainable innovation structure (e.g. a research-based small business) beyond the pure project results.

In May 2018, the award was for the first time presented to four African scientists and their German cooperation partners by Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek.