The Earthshot Prize Awards made history on November 6, 2024, by taking place for the first time on African soil, in Cape Town. The prestigious ceremony celebrated groundbreaking environmental innovations from around the world, with five winners each receiving £1 million (approximately 24 million ZAR) to advance their efforts in areas such as clean energy, biodiversity, and waste management.
Among the notable figures in attendance were South African celebrities like Lebo M., who delivered a powerful Circle of Life performance atop Table Mountain. Co-hosts Billy Porter and Bonang Matheba brought lively energy to the event, with musical performances by Davido and Uncle Waffles adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Prince William, who has championed the Earthshot Prize since its inception, attended alongside a star-studded lineup including Heidi Klum, Winnie Harlow, Billy Porter, and Tobe Nwigwe.
Prince William used the occasion to highlight Africa’s vital role in tackling climate change. In his speech, he said:
“I believe our world can be rich in possibility, in hope, and in optimism. That is why the Earthshot Prize exists. To champion the game-changers, the inventors, the makers, the creatives, the leaders; to help them build upon the amazing things they’ve already achieved; to speed their innovations to scale and to inspire the next generation to create the future we all need.”
The 2024 Earthshot Prize not only celebrated the winners but also showcased Cape Town as a leader in global environmental innovation. The winners were announced across five categories: Protect & Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate. Projects like Keep IT Cool from Kenya, which focuses on reducing food waste through solar-powered refrigeration, were among the innovative solutions recognised.
This year’s event brought significant benefits to the local economy, creating around 650 jobs and bringing international attention to South Africa’s climate initiatives. By putting local environmental leaders in the spotlight, the Earthshot Prize reinforced South Africa’s growing influence in the global climate movement.
