Tigo Tanzania launches 5th Annual Digital Changemakers’ Award

Tigo Tanzania, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Reach for Change (Africa.ReachforChange.org), has launched its 5th annual ‘Tigo Digital Changemakers’ Award competition. The competition aims at identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs who use digital tools and technology to improve communities and impact future generations. This year, Tigo is looking for innovations that focus on education, entrepreneurship and broadening digital inclusion.

Two winning ideas will receive a cash prize of up to USD 20,000 each and get access to Reach for Change incubator, business training and a global network of other social entrepreneurs. The application period for the competition is now open and applications will be received until 21st November 2016.

Speaking at a press conference during the launch, Tigo Corporate Responsibility Manager, Woinde Shisael said, “We are thrilled to be running the Tigo Digital Changemakers’ award with a new focus this year. Our team is very excited to support digital innovations that will improve education, digital inclusion and business entrepreneurship in Tanzania.”

Shisael added that the Tigo Digital Change-makers’ Award is a great way to support the best and brightest social innovators that the country has to offer, empowering them to change society through digital solutions.

This is the fifth year that Tigo and Reach for Change are running the competition in search for social entrepreneurs.

She praised the work of the past winners who continue to impact society in areas like education, bridging gender gap in ICT while encouraging others to share their initiatives. “We have so far supported 8 social entrepreneurs through the Tigo Digital Changemakers’ initiative. They have made good use of funding, coaching, mentorship and together they have reached more than 10,000 children and youths.” said Shisael.

Carolyne Ekyarisiima, for example, is a Tigo Digital Changemaker who is working to bridge the gender gap in ICT technology through her social enterprise, Apps & Girls.

“In 2015, Carolyne impacted over 1000 girls, through coding clubs in schools, workshops, hackathons, boot camps and competitions,” Shisael added. “Not only does this initiative help to ensure that more girls have access to digital technologies, it is also empowering them to become future ICT leaders”.

Carolyne is just one example of the kind of talented digital innovators that Tigo is seeking to support through this year’s award. Shisael said she looks forward to reviewing new and exciting digital innovations that will be submitted to this year’s competition.

All those interested in applying or finding out more about the completion are encouraged to visit www.Tigo.co.tz/DigitalChangemakers. The application period will run until 21st November 2016.

During the launch, a panelist of digital savvy innovators discussed a topic titled, ‘The Role of Digital Solutions in Scaling Innovation, Education, Entrepreneurship and ICT Inclusion’ to motivate and inspire more quality participants to take part in this year’s competition.