Tigo published its Impact Report which shows a total of 131 social entrepreneurs were supported through the Tigo Digital Changemakers Award and its Accelerator and Incubator Programs provided in partnership with non-profit foundation, Reach for Change. Millicom and Reach for Change held five social innovation competitions throughout 2015 that attracted over 1,300 applicants across Africa.
According to information made available to Allafrica, Tigo Digital Changemakers Award seeks and selects exceptional social entrepreneurs who use digital technologies to positively impact their communities and specifically the lives of children.
Successful applicants receive Accelerator support to help them refine and test their digital solutions, and prepare them to pitch their social innovation. After completion of the Accelerator program, the very best social entrepreneurs are selected to receive a grant from the local Tigo operation (usually around $20,000) and a space in Reach for Change’s Incubator program.
Through this platform the winning Changemakers receive business, communications and financial training, mentorship, collaboration with Tigo experts and access to a network of global social entrepreneurs, potential investors, media partners and more.
As a result of the support provided to the promising African social entrepreneurs, more than 146,800 children have benefited from various projects in Senegal, Ghana, Chad, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Cynthia Gordon, CEO Africa at Millicom said: “Through the Tigo Digital Changemakers Award we have been able to connect with and support outstanding local social entrepreneurs, and I am very impressed with the positive impact that their initiatives have had on thousands of lives so far.
We at Millicom believe technology can be used to change people’s lives for the better. We are committed to offering our digital expertise to support Africa’s brightest entrepreneurs in bringing about this change.”
