This year’s Pitchfest took place at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit on November 10, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda, where five remarkable startup founders had the opportunity to pitch their solutions to an eager audience to win a share of 110 million Rwandan francs (approx. UGX293,582,853) in grants.

With solutions ranging from assistive devices made of recycled materials to accessible healthcare technology, this year’s finalists—Sinc, Geuza, Afya Wave, Clenville, and Life Line Africa—demonstrated the transformative power of tech-driven solutions to address critical challenges in Africa.

Hanga Pitchfest isn’t just a competition; it’s an incubator for Africa’s brightest minds and tech-driven solutions. By bringing together investors, business leaders, and key industry players, the competition provides an opportunity for startups to gain financial support, secure partnerships, and exposure. This holistic approach is aimed at empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving social, environmental, and economic issues.

Since its inception, the Pitchfest has become a highly anticipated event, celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship in Africa and paving the way for startups to secure the resources needed to grow their businesses. It is a key component of Rwanda’s national vision to foster digital innovation and economic resilience, offering a launchpad for innovations designed for Africa by Africans.

This year’s Hanga Pitchfest took place within the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, adding a layer of significance to the competition. The Summit is an annual gathering that brings together young people from across Africa to engage in discussions, networking, and showcases of youth-led initiatives. It was the perfect setting for this year’s Pitchfest, uniting young innovators with a shared vision of an empowered, self-sustaining Africa.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa while expressing her optimism said, “Today fills me with hope, seeing young innovators sharing powerful solutions for challenges like disability inclusion, waste management, and maternal healthcare. With their ideas and passion, our future is truly in great hands.”

Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the progress made over the past three days that the competition was happening. “I’m thrilled to have you all here today as we celebrate innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers of our society,” she said. “Over the past three days, we’ve witnessed young people daring to dream, coming together to shape the future they deserve, empowered by the skills they bring.”

The 2024 Hanga Pitchfest showcased five startups, each with a unique mission to address a specific challenge facing Africa today. These startups demonstrated the diversity of African innovation and the potential for scalable solutions that can impact millions across the continent.

1. Sinc: Revolutionizing event management

Sinc, which emerged as the overall winner and took home 50 million Rwf (approx. UGX133.4 million), aims to transform the events industry through an all-in-one platform designed to enhance event discovery and management. With Sinc, event organizers and attendees alike benefit from a streamlined experience that simplifies the coordination of large-scale events. The platform addresses logistical and operational challenges commonly faced in the events industry, offering a comprehensive solution that integrates ticketing, scheduling, and audience engagement.

This innovation reflects a growing demand for tech-driven platforms that can cater to Africa’s growing creative and event-planning industries.

2. Geuza: Eco-friendly assistive devices

Second-place winner Geuza Limited is making a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities by creating affordable assistive devices from recycled electronic waste. Geuza’s products, which include crutches, walkers, and prosthetics, are eco-friendly and tailored to meet the needs of individuals across low-income regions of Africa. By repurposing electronic waste, Geuza addresses two critical issues: environmental sustainability and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The 20 million Rwf (approx. UGX53.37 million)prize will help Geuza expand its operations and improve accessibility for people who might otherwise be left behind.

3. Afya Wave: Bringing sonographic services to underserved communities

Afya Wave, which placed third and received a grant of 15 million Rwf (approx. UGX40.03 million), is tackling the healthcare gap in East Africa with low-cost, medical-grade ultrasound devices. The startup’s portable devices are designed to bring essential sonographic services to mothers in remote and underserved areas, offering a critical resource for prenatal care.

By lowering the cost of ultrasound technology, Afya Wave is improving maternal healthcare and reducing health disparities in areas that lack access to traditional medical facilities. The technology holds the potential to save countless lives, particularly in regions where medical imaging services are scarce or unaffordable.

4. Clenville Ltd: Transforming plastic waste management

Clenville, awarded 12.5 million Rwf (approx. UGX33.36 million), is focused on reimagining waste management through its “We Collect” app, an innovation that incentivizes users to segregate recyclables. By encouraging proper waste disposal and recycling, Clenville aims to tackle the inefficiencies in Africa’s waste management systems. The platform leverages digital technology to connect waste generators with collectors, creating a system that not only reduces environmental pollution but also creates economic opportunities for local communities. Clenville’s solution could significantly reduce the continent’s plastic waste problem, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

5. Life Line Africa: Enhancing access to emergency medications

Life Line Africa, which also received 12.5 million Rwf (approx. UGX33.36 million), has developed a software platform designed to improve access to emergency medications across Africa. The platform integrates both in-house and third-party insurance services, as well as an outpatient drug tracking system, ensuring that patients can access vital medications when they need them most.

Life Line Africa’s focus on emergency healthcare could help address issues of drug shortages and limited access to life-saving medications, particularly in rural areas. This innovation has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in underserved regions, providing a reliable lifeline for those in need.

Beyond the monetary awards, Hanga Pitchfest will provide startups with invaluable opportunities to connect with potential investors, collaborators, and mentors. By elevating the visibility of these startups, Hanga Pitchfest helps bridge the gap between promising entrepreneurs and the resources necessary to bring their ideas to life. For young founders, the experience of pitching to a large, diverse audience provides exposure and confidence essential for navigating the competitive world of tech entrepreneurship.

“What founders receive at the Grand Finale is just a drop in the ocean of what they need to scale their businesses. Through our one-year program of business development and acceleration, we connect them with funders who provide essential capital, enabling them to reach the next stage, secure their first clients, and ultimately scale,” said Hon. Minister, Ingabire.

Hanga Pitchfest competition is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to becoming a tech hub on the African continent. The event aligns with Rwanda’s vision to foster an ecosystem where digital innovation thrives and can contribute to socio-economic development. By investing in homegrown tech solutions, Rwanda is inspiring neighboring nations to follow suit, creating a regional movement toward self-sufficiency and tech-enabled development.

As Hanga Pitchfest continues to grow, so does the potential for African innovation. The startups showcased this year are part of a larger movement of young Africans harnessing technology to address local and global challenges. From healthcare and waste management to disability inclusion and digital platforms, these innovators are proving that Africa has the talent, vision, and drive to contribute meaningfully to the world’s tech landscape.

The Hanga Pitchfest and similar initiatives will play a crucial role in nurturing Africa’s tech ecosystem, ensuring that African entrepreneurs have access to the funding, mentorship, and partnerships they need. The future of Africa lies in the hands of these bold, creative problem-solvers who are building solutions that have the potential to reshape industries, improve lives, and inspire a new generation of innovators.

The post Event Management Startup, Sinc Today Emereges as Overall Winner of the 2024 Hanga Pitchfest appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The Green Growth Hackathon focused on eco-friendly farming and enhancing food security—key areas critical to ensuring a sustainable future. Over the course of an intense 48 hours, participants were challenged to develop and present solutions that could transform industries, improve resource efficiency, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

At the heart of the hackathon was the competitive spirit that drove participants to push the boundaries of what’s possible. After rigorous rounds of brainstorming, coding, and collaboration, four innovations emerged as the winners;

• Grin Tech took home the top honors, emerging as the overall winner for its groundbreaking innovation. The judges were impressed with Grin Tech’s solution’s potential to revolutionize eco-friendly practices.
• MicroVest and Hi Monitor shared second place. Both teams earned a coveted opportunity to pitch their ideas at the prestigious Latitude 59 event in Nairobi, positioning them on a global stage where they can attract investment and scale their solutions.
• Harvest Link, won the People’s Choice Award, proving that public support can be a powerful force in driving sustainable change.

The hackathon didn’t end with the announcement of the winners. Four other promising innovations—Farm Quest, Eco Flash Dryer, Hydroponics, and Agri Link—secured spots in the Innovation Hub’s upcoming bootcamp. This subsequent section offers these teams a useful possibility to refine and in addition increase their answers with the guide of mentors and industry specialists. The bootcamp will assist these innovators beef up their standards, scale their ideas, and prepare them for actual-global software, in the long run amplifying their impact on inexperienced technology.

The Green Growth Hackathon is a testament to the power of collaboration to deliver meaningful change. Bringing together key partners from both the public and private sectors, the event brings innovation that goes beyond the hackathon. All partners play an important role in creating an environment in which sustainable innovation is possible.

The Green Growth Hackathon proved that digital innovation and environmental sustainability can continue. The event highlights the importance of equipping young inventors with tools and resources to empower them to create a greener future, creating a space where ideas can turn into actionable solutions.

The post National ICT Innovation Hub Announce Winners of the Green Growth Hackathon appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Farmpawa (from Uganda) is among the 10 semi-finalists. The other semi-finalists are from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.

“We are truly lucky to have become participants of this competition and getting to the semifinals,” Moses Eteku, CEO of Farmpawa told PC Tech Magazine. “With this fund, we envision expanding the reach of the company’s services by reaching more farmers in Uganda and possibly other countries, as well as refining the technologies used in the platform to ease usage for everyone.” He adds “With this funding, we would also be able to increase the amounts of training and support given to farmers improving overall production returns as well as efficiency on their farms.”

FarmPawa is a crowd-farming platform that connects farmers and investors to create mutual benefits of available agricultural opportunities in Uganda. It aims to promote sustainable investment in the agriculture sector as well as provide the farmer with the necessary instruments.

The 10 semi-finalists competing for a grand prize of USD$1 million —will participate in an Innovation Showcase at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit on December 5-6, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During the event, the teams will pitch their innovations to a panel of expert judges and investors —and only three teams will be selected to move on to the final round of the prize.

The Grand Prize will be at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference in Los Angeles, in May 2025 where the overall winner will receive USD$1 million.

During the December showcase, the judges will evaluate the pitches based on the teams’ ability to deliver solutions that improve financial inclusion for under-resourced groups in emerging and frontier markets.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Fintech awards startups demonstrating the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.

These teams operate in nearly 30 countries across three continents, and their innovations hold the potential for significant breakthroughs in financial inclusion for underserved communities on a global scale. Over the next four months, the Semifinalist teams will test and scale their solutions, which will be evaluated for impact, scalability, and sustainability.

“By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to foster financial inclusion and empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities,” said Emily Musil, Senior Director of Milken Institute. “Our prizes help identify, support, and celebrate talent to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and empower visionaries to turn their ideas for a better future into reality.”

The 10 semi-finalists

The post Farmpawa Secures $100,000 as a Semi-Finalist in the 2024 Milken-Motsepe Fintech Prize appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The finalists were selected based on their demonstration of visionary entrepreneurship, embodying traits such as innovation and creativity, impact on communities and societies, leadership and vision, the potential for growth and scalability, market demand, and financial sustainability.

Effective communication skills were also crucial as entrepreneurs were required to present and articulate their business plans to a select panel of judges while responding to thought-provoking questions. Their ability to convey their passion, expertise, and unique selling points is essential to impressing the judges and securing their support.

Maxima Nsimenta (from Uganda), and 9 other entrepreneurs from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will make their final presentations at the grand finale in Kigali, Rwanda on the sidelines of Africa’s Business Heroes Summit which will be held from December 3-5.

The entrepreneurs will win a share of USD$1.5 million (approx. UGX5.6 billion) grant funding ranging from USD$100,000 to USD$300,000. The overall winner will receive USD$300,000 while the 1st and 2nd runner-ups will receive USD$250,000 and USD$150,000 respectively. All other 7 finalists will each receive USD$100,000. An additional USD$100,000 is allocated for global immersion training.

The value of the prize goes beyond financial gain. All participants, including the winners and the finalists, will receive global recognition & exposure, access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network, mentorship, and training programs, etc.

Livara is a personal care company that manufactures natural and organic products for natural hair and skin. Their mission is to bring equity to the cosmetics industry by providing authentically natural and organic solutions proven through centuries of use in Africa. In addition, the company wants to make natural haircare & skincare easy and accessible while empowering Africans.

The 10 finalists are;

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program wants to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over ten years and allocate grant funding alongside training, mentoring, and learning programs, as well as access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.

The competition empowers entrepreneurs and captivates audiences with the diversity and ingenuity of the business plans submitted. Each business plan tells a unique story of resilience, creativity, and the drive to make a positive impact in Africa. From innovative tech solutions and beauty and fashion to sustainable agricultural initiatives, the business plans showcased in the competition offer fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial landscape across Africa.

Since 2019, grant recipients of the ABH have achieved remarkable milestones, collectively raising over USD$153 million in investments and serving a vast base of over 37.5 million customers or users. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have received USD$7 million in prize money, facilitating their operations in 52 African countries.

Notably, their endeavors have created over 123,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to Africa’s economic development. With a combined reported revenue exceeding USD$252 million, ABH grant recipients continue to exemplify the transformative power of entrepreneurship in fostering growth, innovation, and socio-economic impact across the African continent.

Over the past five years, ABH has received immense support from investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals from across the globe. Over 900 volunteers have collectively devoted over 15,280 hours to judging, mentoring, and supporting thousands of contestants, underscoring the powerful spirit of collaboration that fuels the competition’s success.

ABH strives to foster an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in Africa. In its fifth year, this annual competition continues to spotlight the remarkable talents of African entrepreneurs dedicated to effecting positive change within their communities. What sets ABH apart is its grassroots orientation, coupled with its age, gender, and sector-agnostic approach.

The post Livara Founder, Maxima Nsimenta Vies a Spot in the Top Finalists of ABH Competition appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The 6th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge centered on the AgriTech sector, is open to startups from Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo. The winning startup will receive USD$50,000 in equity funding, access to MEST’s extensive global network, opportunities to valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate its growth and global presence.

Eligibility criteria: 

• Early-stage technology startup.
• Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of USD$5,000.
• Funding raised: USD$0 to USD$1 million cumulative.
• Years in existence: 3 years and below.
• Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue.
• Founding team: At least 2 founding team members.
• Registered in Delaware (This is preferred).
• Any industry.
• Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…).
• All participants must pitch in English.

In the rapidly evolving world of AgriTech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition. The MEST Africa Challenge is here to bridge that gap, offering startups the opportunity to “Find Their Soil” by providing critical support, funding, and mentorship.

“‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for AgriTech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa, said in a press statement.

MEST Africa is committed to fostering job creation and economic growth across Africa through software entrepreneurship. By offering specialized tech entrepreneurial training and investment opportunities, the organization empowers Africa’s brightest minds to build and scale impactful businesses.

Since its inception, MEST has invested over USD$30 million into training more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and has supported the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups across sectors including AgriTech, FinTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare. This year presents an unparalleled opportunity for AgriTech entrepreneurs to “Find Their Soil” and take their businesses to the next level.

MEST is accepting applications until October 4th, 2024. APPLY NOW.

The post West African Startups Vie for $50,000 in MEST Africa Challenge appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“A global panel of judges here chooses the 2024 ABH top 20, these heroes stand out for their innovation, impact, and potential to scale,” ABH said in a statement. “Hailing from 11 countries and spanning 8 industries, they reflect ABH’s commitment to identifying Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs.”

Among the 20, only one Ugandan, Maxima Nsimenta, Founder of Livara, made it to the list out of the 50 where there were 4.

“Livara’s journey is a marathon and I take the steps seriously —one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. Ugandans are great at winning global marathons,” said Nsimenta in a post on LinkedIn. “The Africa’s Business Heroes journey is a marathon to me and I am grateful for having reached the top 20. Out of 20,000 applicants, I have made the top 0.01%, it is worth celebrating. Onwards and upwards.”

The 20 entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and vie for their spot in the top 10 —who will be announced in November during the Africa’s Business Heroes Summit & Grand-Finale.

The Africa’s Business Heroes finalists are selected based on their demonstration of visionary entrepreneurship, embodying traits such as innovation and creativity, impact on communities and societies, leadership and vision, the potential for growth and scalability, market demand, and financial sustainability.

Maxima Nsimenta is the founder of Livara, a personal care company that manufactures natural and organic products for natural hair and skin. Their mission is to bring equity to the cosmetics industry by providing authentically natural and organic solutions proven through centuries of use in Africa.

Nsimenta says Livara is on a mission to make natural haircare & skincare easy and accessible while empowering Africans.

The full list of 20 finalists are;

Africa’s Business Heroes competition is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program wants to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over ten years and allocate grant funding alongside training, mentoring, and learning programs, as well as access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.

The Africa’s Business Heroes competition not only empowers entrepreneurs but also captivates audiences with the diversity and ingenuity of the business plans submitted. Each business plan tells a unique story of resilience, creativity, and the drive to make a positive impact in Africa. From innovative tech solutions and beauty and fashion to sustainable agricultural initiatives, the business plans showcased in the competition offer fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial landscape across Africa.

The post Maxima Nsimenta Makes Africa’s Business Heroes Top 20 Finalists appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The finalists are selected based on their demonstration of visionary entrepreneurship, embodying traits such as innovation and creativity, impact on communities and societies, leadership and vision, the potential for growth and scalability, market demand, and financial sustainability.

Effective communication skills are also crucial as entrepreneurs are required to present and articulate their business plans to a select panel of judges while responding to thought-provoking questions. Their ability to convey their passion, expertise, and unique selling points is essential to impressing the judges and securing their support.

Out of the 50 finalists, 4 are Ugandans; Daniel Mukisa, Louisa Kiwana, Martin Ssali, and Maxima Nsimenta. East Africa had most of the finalists, followed by West Africa, North Africa, South and Central Africa. Similar to last year, 36% (to be exact 19/50) of the finalists were female entrepreneurs.

The finalists are competing for a chance to win a share of USD$1.5 million (approx. UGX5.6 billion) grant funding. However, the value of the prize goes beyond financial gain. It represents an extraordinary platform where all participants, including the winners and the finalists, benefit from the expertise and insights garnered by the ABH community of business leaders.

Daniel Mukisa, Co-founder and CEO of Ridelink, an e-logistics platform developed to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to a network of transport operators. The company reports having served more than 250 SMEs with over 2000 drivers delivering cargo throughout East Africa.

Louisa Kiwana, Co-founder and Director of Kunda Kids Limited, a publishing company whose books teach generosity and the importance of helping others, and engages readers (of ages 3-8) through the rhythmic rhyming sequences throughout the story, as well as the beautiful illustrations of exotic and royal scenery.

Martin Ssali, Founder and Technical Director of Smart Foods Limited, an agro-processing company focusing on processing of innovative food products for domestic and export markets.

Maxima Nsimenta, Founder of Livara, a personal care company manufacturing natural and organic products for natural hair and skin. Their mission is to bring equity to the cosmetics industry by providing authentically natural and organic solutions proven through centuries of use in Africa.

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program wants to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over ten years and allocate grant funding alongside training, mentoring, and learning programs, as well as access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.

The competition empowers entrepreneurs and captivates audiences with the diversity and ingenuity of the business plans submitted. Each business plan tells a unique story of resilience, creativity, and the drive to make a positive impact in Africa. From innovative tech solutions and beauty and fashion to sustainable agricultural initiatives, the business plans showcased in the competition offer fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial landscape across Africa.

Since 2019, grant recipients of the ABH have achieved remarkable milestones, collectively raising over USD$153 million in investments and serving a vast base of over 37.5 million customers or users. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have received USD$7 million in prize money, facilitating their operations in 52 African countries.

Notably, their endeavors have created over 123,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to Africa’s economic development. With a combined reported revenue exceeding USD$252 million, ABH grant recipients continue to exemplify the transformative power of entrepreneurship in fostering growth, innovation, and socio-economic impact across the African continent.

Over the past five years, ABH has received immense support from investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals from across the globe. Over 900 volunteers have collectively devoted over 15,280 hours to judging, mentoring, and supporting thousands of contestants, underscoring the powerful spirit of collaboration that fuels the competition’s success.

ABH strives to foster an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in Africa. In its fifth year, this annual competition continues to spotlight the remarkable talents of African entrepreneurs dedicated to effecting positive change within their communities. What sets ABH apart is its grassroots orientation, coupled with its age, gender, and sector-agnostic approach.

The post 4 Ugandan Entrepreneurs Make ABH Top 50 Finalists appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

According to Elton Kigozi and Gordon Walugembe, both S4 students, “The machine (Sani Troll) can mow, scrub, and mop at the same time. “It’s like a trolley in the supermarket and the ‘Sani’ comes from the word sanitation, because it is a cleaning machine.”

Skool Bike Uganda emerged as the winner in the Alum Grow Category, a running project offering affordable, reliable bicycle transport for students, reducing absenteeism, and supporting consistent education.

Sheema Girls School took the prize for the Teach Innovate Category with their Gamified Learning project. This project tackles low student morale and engagement by integrating game elements into the learning process, making education more engaging.

In the Student Grow category, the winner was Katwe Noor S.S-Library Simplified. Their Library Information Simplified platform enhances access to library resources, improving students’ research capabilities and learning experiences.

Stanbic Bank Executive Director, Sam Mwogeza in his remarks said “In a program like this there are only winners and I want to commend and thank each one of you who has reached this point. And not just for you, but for all those who participated but who are not here today.” He added, “I was moving around and speaking to some of the students —the passion with which they share their ideas and the clarity of vision on the desired impact is exceptional.”

George Mutekanga, the Commissioner of Private Schools and Institutions at the Ministry of Education who was the guest of honor praised Stanbic Bank and remarked, “We want in a special way to thank Stanbic Bank for moving on this journey. As the Ministry of Education and Sports, we want to thank you very much for this 9th edition in a row, and this year, I am most touched to note the number of issues raised by participating schools.”

Mutekanga also noted that the Ministry’s concern has been and always will be to come up with a strategy to bring on board all the 2o sub-regions of this country, thus, applauding the Stanbic National Schools’ Championship because it has managed to do so.

Diana Ondoga, the CSI Manager at Stanbic Bank said, “More than a dozen projects drawn from all regions of Uganda faced off, in a grueling final that followed several months of a competitive process which attracted the participation of over 60,000 students representing over 100 schools in over 100 districts of Uganda.”

The Stanbic National Schools’ Championship is the flagship activity under the Stanbic Bank’s Corporate Social Investments (CSI) aimed at driving youth empowerment and improved access to quality education. It equips teachers and students with the necessary skills and confidence to become the job creators of tomorrow, fostering a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

For this year’s edition, the number of schools applying for participation, shot up to 265 more than double the figure in comparison to eight years when the competition was first launched.

The post Winners of the 9th Edition of the Stanbic National Schools’ Championship appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

AfriLabs’ membership to ITU-D represents a major turning point in its mission to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development across Africa. This partnership will enable AfriLabs to contribute to global conversations and initiatives to drive digital transformation and sustainable development in Africa.

Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs said “This membership not only validates the efforts of AfriLabs in fostering innovation and technology growth in Africa but also provides us with a unique opportunity to collaborate on a global scale.” Adds “We look forward to leveraging ITU’s vast resources and network to further our mission of empowering African tech hubs and startups, ultimately driving socio-economic development across Africa.”

The inclusion of AfriLabs in the ITU-D Sector underscores the importance of ITU supporting technology and innovation ecosystems in emerging markets. AfriLabs’ extensive network, comprising over 450 innovation centers across 53 African countries, will bring valuable insights and perspectives to ITU’s initiatives and programs.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau noted that “The AfriLabs’ vast network of technology and innovation hubs is aligned with ITU-D’s efforts in building capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship for its members and will support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem.”

The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The ITU-D Sector is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and promoting equitable access to telecommunication and information technologies.

See also: ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin applauds Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap

The post ITU Council Welcomes AfriLabs as an ITU-D Sector Member appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The competition received nearly 2,000 applications across most African countries, with 24 emerging as semi-finalists representing 17 African nations.

The rigorous selection process emphasized criteria such as innovation, market potential and traction, business model, and founder and team. The high caliber of entries underscores the competitiveness and dynamism within Africa’s agripreneurial ecosystem.

In a press statement, GoGettaz co-founder Strive Masiyiwa, commented, “This initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing Africa’s entrepreneurial talent. From the large pool of applicants this year, these 24 semi-finalists represent only a small cross-section of the continent’s visionary young entrepreneurs, a testament to the hope and talent of youth across Africa today.”

Masiyiwa noted that the innovative agrifood businesses, and the impactful work of so many others who have taken part in the GoGettaz competition over the years, are crucial for growing prosperity and food security across Africa. “Our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are not just sitting around waiting for problems to be solved; they are busy working to solve them, inventing climate-friendly solutions, and using new technologies to tackle age-old challenges in this critical sector,” he said. “We are so proud of them.”

Svein Tore Holsether, GoGettaz co-founder said the impact of GoGettaz goes far beyond the competition itself, as they uncover more and more talent and innovation across Africa.

“I am thrilled with the quality of this year’s competitors and excited to see the opportunities and collaboration emerging to accelerate progress toward a more resilient and food-secure Africa,” said Holsether. “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the semi-finalists and commend them for the great work that they are doing.”

Previous editions of the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition have produced remarkable success stories to illustrate its profound impact. Esther Kimani, a past winner, revolutionized farming practices in Kenya with her innovative pest-detection technology. Her journey from competition winner to industry leader underscores GoGettaz’s role in fostering groundbreaking solutions and empowering agripreneurs to drive meaningful change in their communities.

SEE ALSO: RAE CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 AFRICA PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING INNOVATION

The finalists are competing for a grand prize of USD$100,000. In addition to the grand prize, an additional USD$60,000 will be rewarded in Impact Awards. The judges of this year’s competition will be looking to award ventures that make a significant impact in one or more of the following areas: improving rural livelihoods, nutrition, climate-related solutions, technology, gender impact, natural resources conservation, and job creation

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize competition finals will be held at the AFS Summit, in Kigali, Rwanda in September 2024.

The 24 semi-finalists include;

1. Mogale Maleka, Agang Bokamoso Farms (AB Farms).
2. Samson Turimurukundo, AGRI Organic Inputs.
3. Salimata Toh, Agribanana.
4. Lapaque Mbumba, Antarctik.
5. Marlene Kindji, Bademe Natural Foods.
6. Adeline Pelage, Biscuiterie BOBO.
7. Elhadji Malick Sagne, Cactus Innovation.
8. Amir Redwan, Chipchip.
9. Tracy Mapfumo, Eny’s Treats.
10. Lesly Marange, GLYTIME FOODS PVT LTD.
11. Deborah Nzarubara, Grecom.
12. Kidist Amedie, Guaro Farms.
13. Habib Mestiri, Hayat Technology.
14. Fatima El Khou, Jafife.
15. Sokayna Bellam, Jodoor.
16. Iddi Mohamed Faried, Kodu Technology.
17. Tisya Mukuna, La BOITE.
18. Mochesane Albert Mpali, Lema Agriventures Pty Ltd.
19. Irene Simon Ivambi, MREMBO NATURALS LIMITED.
20. Mostafa Hassanen, Plug N Grow.
21. Charles Oyamo, Rethread Africa.
22. Riantsoa Mialinarindra, Sakafo Madagascar.
23. Arristine Mendes, SHADDAÏ AQUACULTURE.
24. Emadago Oghenekevwe, Valley Bee.

GoGettaz is a transformative platform dedicated to nurturing young agri-food innovators across Africa.

Since its inception in 2019, GoGettaz has played a pivotal role in identifying, supporting, and celebrating Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs driving sustainable change and economic growth through agricultural ventures spanning the agrifood value chain from seed to fork. By providing access to leadership development, global networks, and awards, GoGettaz empowers participants to grow their innovative ideas into impactful business enterprises that address pressing agricultural challenges and contribute to food security and job creation across the continent.

ALSO READ: INNOVATE AFRICA LAUNCHES WITH $2.5M ANGEL FUND TO BACK 20 STARTUPS

The post 24 Agripreneurs Selected for the 2024 GoGettaz Prize Competition appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.