Tigo launches Tigo Digital Changemakers Competition 2015

Tigo Rwanda, in partnership with non-profit organization Reach for Change, has launched the 4^th edition of the Tigo Digital Changemakers Award. The competition aims at identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs with digital tools and technology to improve communities and future generations. 

Two winning ideas will receive a cash prize of up to Rwf 14 Million each and access to a Reach for Change incubator, business training and a global network of other social entrepreneurs. The application period for the competition is now officially open and applications will be received until the 21^st August 2015.

Speaking about the launch of the competition this year, Tigo General Manager, Mr. Tongai Maramba said, “In recent years, this Program has changed the way business is done by working closely with a nonprofit organization to impact communities and the lives of children and has revolutionized the way issues of development are perceived. Last year, our competition began to focus on digital solutions that can improve society. As a digital lifestyle brand we encourage technology driven ideas that bring sustainable change. It is therefore with great honor that we will once again create an opportunity for such ideas to be recognized, supported and transformed to maximize social impact”.

This is the fourth year that Tigo and Reach for Change are running a competition in search for social entrepreneurs. Last year over 170 highly gifted and motivated people across Rwanda applied and two winners were selected, Mr Yves  Iradukunda who runs an organization called Academic Bridge that empowers schools to efficiently collect and manage students information and Dominique Uwase Alonga who runs Read-a-thon (K-Rat) events which rewards best readers among children

Since 2012, 5 changemakers have been supported by the program and have impacted the lives of over 46,000 Rwanda children. In addition to Yves and Dominique who were selected last year, the portfolio of social entrepreneurs is made up of Gaspard Twagirayezu of CreationHill, Jacques Kayisire of Dream Team Football Academy and Martine Umulisa of Kaami Arts. This portfolio of changemakers is creating impressive impact. Gaspard, for example, runs technology fairs in secondary schools through his organisation Creation Hill and has managed to reach over 2,000 students in 2014 through Tech events throughout Rwanda. Read more about the social entrepreneurs projects by clicking this link: Reach for Change

All those interested in applying or finding out more about the completion are encouraged to visit www.tigo.co.rw/digitalchangemakers

The application period will run up until the 21^st of August 2015. Anyone who has an idea that uses digital tools and technology to impact communities and future generations is encouraged to apply. The winner will receive up to Rwf 14 Million and access to business expertise and mentorship from senior management of Tigo staff and Reach for Change advisors.

ABOUT TIGO

Tigo Rwanda is owned by Millicom, a leading telecommunications and media company uniquely dedicated to emerging markets in Latin America and Africa. It provides mobile, mobile financial, cable and satellite services to over 56 million customers in fourteen countries, primarily under the Tigo brand. Tigo has been operating in Africa since 1993, in Rwanda since 2009, and serves over 26 million African customers. Tigo Rwanda is the second largest operator with over 2.5 million customers and has invested over US $310 million in the country till date. Tigo has also announced a further US $80 million investment over the next five years in Rwanda. Recently, the company launched Tigo Sugira, Rwanda’s first mobile-based savings product. Other highlights include an investment of US $1 million in Think, Africa’s Rwanda-based technology incubator and the ‘Most Innovative Service Award’ at Africa Com 2014 for international mobile money transfers with integrated currency conversion between Tigo Rwanda and Tigo Tanzania.

ABOUT REACH FOR CHANGE

Reach for Change is a Swedish non-profit organization founded by the Kinnevik Group of companies to improve the lives of children and youth. Reach for Change invests in social entrepreneurs who have a strong desire to promote children’s rights, an innovative idea to change the world for children, and the passion and the drive to create this change. They are given salary funding and coaching in an Incubator program, and are matched with advisors and experts from a network of companies within the Kinnevik Group.

Find out more on: www.reachforchange.org/africa

For more information and images of the changemakers initiatives: visit www.reachforchange.org/rwanda or reach out to: