The Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU) is running a continent-wide competition seeking creative digital solutions, by African youth, to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

The African Innovations Challenge 2020 is aimed at young African innovators who have developed mobile apps that will help combat the pandemic or future possible emergencies in the continent. John Omo, ATU secretary general, says the initiative is important in ‘recognising, testing and highlighting disruptive innovations and new business models that have the capacity to redefine Africa’.

In addition to US$5 000, the top prize includes access to mentorship and partnership programmes, according to a press release.

The ATU says the free-to-enter competition promotes Africa’s readiness for digital solutions, ultimately addressing the challenge of a population that is largely made up of young people who typically live in difficult environments.

All innovations entered into the challenge must be original, applicable to emergency situations, sustainable, scalable, provide solutions to combating COVID-19 and be able to respond to societal issues.

Applications are open until 14 September and the winner will be announced in October.

8 September 2020
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