Facebook is launching the Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa. An Award aimed at recognizing developers and entrepreneurs who are using the internet to improve the standard of education and economic health in their communities in Africa.
This follows the success of Facebook’s Internet.org Innovation Challenge in India which was designed to recognise people making the internet more relevant for women, students, farmers and migrant workers in India. Facebook awarded prizes to services working on these challenges 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,” said 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.”
Facebook will present an Innovation Challenge Award of US $150,000 to the app, website or service judged to be the best in two categories: learning/education and economic empowerment. Each Innovation Challenge Award winner will also receive a package of tools and services worth up to $60,000 from Facebook’s FbStart program Two apps, websites or services in each category will receive an Impact Award prize in the amount of $50,000.
All entries must be received by 1 May, 2016. Winners will be announced in August/September 2016
