Tigo Rwanda, in partnership with non-profit
organization Reach for Change, has launched the fifth edition of the annual ‘Tigo
Digital Changemakers Competition’. The competition aims at identifying and
supporting four tech entrepreneurs who utilise digital technology to improve
society and positively impact future generations.
After an extensive selection process involving
both Tigo and external experts, the winning candidates will each receive a cash
prize of Frw 7.5 million as well as access to Reach for Change’s Incubator
programme, which includes business training, access to a global network of other
social entrepreneurs and much more. The application period for the competition
is now officially open and will close on 15, November, 2016.
Speaking at the launch, Tigo General Manager,
Philip Amoateng said: “We recognize the
potential that technology has to solve issues of development. We are looking for a tech entrepreneurs who
use digital tools and technology to better the lives of Rwandans in a
meaningful way. At Tigo we are committed
to providing the opportunity for these entrepreneurs to be recognized and supported”
The call for applications opens from 18 October-15
November, 2016. Entrepreneurs with
initiatives that use digital tools and technology to create social impact are
encouraged to apply. More information about the competition can be found by visiting
www.tigo.co.rw/digitalchangemakers.
Pierre Kayitana, Head of Corporate
Responsibility at Tigo, said: “For this
edition, we have put particular emphasis on selecting already existing tech
solutions that have moved beyond the prototype stage. This way we are assured
that our support will immediately impact the beneficiaries.
I
encourage all individuals who have identified a problem in society and have
come up with an innovative solution to that problem to apply. “
The applicant must have a working
product/project in place that aims to increase financial and/ or digital Inclusion,
has social impact, is scalable, financially sustainable and system changing.
Applicants who need assistance with the
application process are encouraged to visit The Changemakers Hub, located at the
Tigo Headquarters in Muhima, between 8:00AM and 5:00PM from Monday to Friday.
Some of the Tigo Digital Changemakers
Louis Ngabonziza is empowering children with disabilities by
providing them with formal education, technology and vocational skills.
Gaspard Twagirayezu runs an organization called Creation Hill that
inspires Rwandan youth to become creators rather than just consumers of
technology through schools tech fairs, techclubs and e-camp programs. They
supported 840 children in 2015. Gaspard’s vision is to create a world where
Africans are pioneering new technological solutions to national, regional and
global problems
Yves Iradukunda runs Academic Bridge a program that empowers
schools to efficiently collect and manage students’ information, the end goal
being to ensure a successful education system for children where parents are
fully involved in their child’s education and development. 4 schools already
started using the system in 2015.
About Tigo Rwanda
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 60 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 customers in Africa.
Currently, Tigo Rwanda has over three million
customers and has invested over US $310 million from 2009 to date. Tigo Rwanda provides 4G LTE on mobile for
both prepaid and post-paid customers. Tigo
Rwanda was awarded as the ‘Most Innovative Service’ at Africa Com 2014, for
international mobile money transfers with integrated currency conversion
between Tigo Rwanda and Tigo Tanzania as well as awarded for “Best ICT
Exhibitor” at the Kigali Expo 2015.
About Reach for Change Africa
Reach for Change Africa is a non-profit organization
that invests in innovative, early-stage social entrepreneurs who are addressing
problems faced by children, youth and women in seven countries across the
continent; Ghana, Senegal, Chad, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. Reach
for Change runs innovation competitions and provides Accelerator and Incubator
programs to exceptional social entrepreneurs who are supported to scale their
innovations through funding, access to technical and organizational management
expertise, and networking opportunities. Reach for Change Africa is a part of
the global organization Reach for Change which operates in 17 countries
worldwide.
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