Fraud fighters and bamboo bikes: the African innovators driving change

Software for fighting cybercrime in Ghana and tools for speeding up cervical cancer diagnosis in Uganda are among innovations recognised by the judges of this year's Africa prize

The Royal Academy of Engineering's Africa prize, now in its sixth year, is the continent's biggest award for engineering innovation. Sixteen African inventors from six countries - including, for the first time, Malawi - have been shortlisted to receive funding, training and mentoring for projects intended to revolutionise sectors ranging from agriculture and banking to women's health. The winner will be awarded 25,000 and the three runners-up will receive 10,000 each.

This year's inventions include facial recognition software to prevent financial fraud, a low-cost digital microscope to speed up cervical cancer diagnosis, and two separate innovations made from water hyacinth plants. Four inventors spoke to the Guardian about their innovations and their plans to change Africa for the better.