Facebook has launched its Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa, looking to recognise African developers working on apps, websites and services for learning and economic empowerment and rewarding winners with US$150,000.
The Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa is open to developers across Africa, with Facebook to present an Innovation Challenge Award of US$150,000 to the app, website or service judged to be the best in each of the two categories.
Each Innovation Challenge Award winner will also receive a package of tools and services worth up to US$60,000 from Facebook’s FbStart program, while two other apps, websites or services in each category will receive an Impact Award prize in the amount of US$50,000.
The launch of the African challenge follows the conclusion of the Internet.org Innovation Challenge in India, which recognised people making the internet more relevant to women, students, farmers and migrant workers in India.
“The Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa supports our vision of a connected world by recognizing those who are working on solutions that aim to improve education and economic health of communities in Africa,” says Ime Archibong, director of strategic partnerships at Facebook.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how African developers are providing real value for their communities. By connecting people and empowering them with access to services and information, we can help them achieve extraordinary things and help them to enhance their lives.”
All entries must be received by May 1, 2016, with winners to be announced in August or September.
