Facebook is launching the Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa with the aim of recognising developers and entrepreneurs who are using the Internet to improve the standard of education and economic health in their communities. Developers across Africa are invited to enter the challenge.
Launched in 2013, Internet.org is a partnership between Facebook and six companies (Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Opera Software, Nokia and Qualcomm) that plans to bring affordable access to selected Internet services to less developed countries.
Facebook will present an Innovation Challenge Award of $150 000 to the app, Web site 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 programme.
Two apps, Web sites or services in each category will receive an Impact Award prize in the amount of $50 000.
Facebook says the competition follows the success of Internet.org Innovation Challenge in India, where the award set out to recognise people making the Internet more relevant for women, students, farmers and migrant workers in India.
"The Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa supports our vision of a connected world by recognising 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 1 May 2016 and winners will be announced in August/September 2016.
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