Entrepreneurs with project ideas that can impact positively on  the lives of children and society in general have an opportunity to secure funding and business mentorship, thanks to Tigo Reach for Change competition.

The annual contest will see two winners bag total funding of up to Rwf13.8 million, Tongai Maramba, the Tigo general manager, said at the launch of the competition in Kigali on Thursday. 

Maramba said this year’s competition will be conducted under the theme, "Tigo Digital Change-makers” and aims at identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs who use digital tools and technology to improve society and the lives of Rwandan children. 

The competition was launched in 2012 and is conducted by Tigo in partnership Reach for Change, an international non-profit organisation. 

The telecom company has supported four social entrepreneurs who are currently working with over 10,000 children countrywide. 

Amma Lartey, the Reach for Change director for Africa, said the competition is focusing on digital technology because "it can be a driver of social change, with the power to impact positively on social sectors like education, health and nutrition”.

Interested social entrepreneurs can download application forms online on the link: www.tigo.co.rw/digitalchangemakers, or visit any Tigo service centre across the country. Application submission deadline is September 9.

Maramba said shortlisted candidates will pitch their ideas before a panel of experts in October, while winners will be announced in November after further evaluation.

Besides the cash prize, the two lucky winners will receive business mentorship from Tigo senior managers. 

"In exchange, successful candidates will be required to meet their key performance indicators and commit to fully develop the project ideas and ensure they become self-sustainable,” Maramba said.

Close to 1,500 social  entrepreneurs participated in last year’s competition.