Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, launched the first edition of its Innovation Challenge during the Transform Africa Summit 2019, held May 14-17 in Kigali.
As part of this initiative, Africa50 is calling for innovative solutions to improve access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet connectivity in underserved areas of Africa.
The call is open to all developers, entrepreneurs, information and communication technology (ICT) experts, engineers, and inventors in Africa and around the world to submit their solutions via an online platform for evaluation by Africa50's investment teams and partners. The winning solutions will receive a cash prize and/or be considered for project development funding.
The winning projects will initially be implemented in Rwanda, as a pilot country, with the aim of expanding their implementation to other African countries in the future.
Despite notable progress in recent years, 75% of the African population does not have internet access. As a result, in the digital age, these populations are unable to benefit from one of the best ways to access knowledge, social services, and new economic opportunities.
At the launch, Carole Wainaina, Chief Operating Officer of Africa50, explained: "As a pan-African entity, we are committed to helping solve our continent's greatest challenges. Internet connectivity can be a key driver of inclusive growth, provided it is accessible, affordable, easy to use, and tailored to the needs of communities. "
For its Innovation Challenge, Africa50 will also, exceptionally, consider projects at the pilot stage with smaller financing needs, with the intention of developing them into larger-scale, high-impact bankable projects.
Inventors and organizations passionate about developing innovative, high-impact solutions are encouraged to participate. The solutions received will be evaluated by a committee of experts in ICT, investment, and international development. Finalists will be invited to present their ideas at the AfricaCom event in November 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The platform for submitting solutions is open from May 14 until September 8, 2019, on the website: www.africa50innovationchallenge.com
Source: press release