With only a few weeks to the inaugural ‘Smart Awards’, outstanding individuals, companies and organisations will be recognised through the use of social media and other online platforms that contribute to the country’s social economic transformation. 

The annual eventwill be held in Kigali on December 9.

"We are so excited to announce the first edition of ‘Smart Awards’. The whole idea behind this is to encourage a responsible use of ICT not only in Rwanda but also across Africa through rewarding celebrities, companies, public institutions and non-government organisations that use social media and other innovations to impact social welfare of people,” said Emmanuel Mugisha, the managing director of East Africa Youth Development Agency, the organisers of the awards.

Many countries, particularly Rwanda, have invested heavily in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and Rwanda continues to be one of the fastest growing countries in terms of ICT around the world.

"In areas, such as e-commerce and e-services, mobile technologies and application development, Rwanda is doing well. However, not much has been done to recognise those who spearhead the whole development. We therefore want to recognise those whose effort of using social media has impacted people,” explained Mugisha.

Today, it is hard to imagine business without the Internet. People order airline tickets online, make restaurant reservations online and negotiate sales contracts. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are some of the leading platforms in Rwanda, and people have started reaping benefits from them.

Social Media has become a prominent part of many peoples’ lives and it is fundamentally changing the way people and companies interact with customers, offer products and services, communicate with clients and, do businesses.

Mugisha noted that the growth of the Internet and the penetration of mobile phones has positioned social media as the new phenomenon in emerging technology and that these awards are to encourage people to use it.

"Social media has been proven to be the most interactive digital platform and it’s almost universally used by consumers and brands and is one of the most effective channels to connect, "said Mugisha.

He added: "There’s a need to maximise its benefits and it is through these awards that people will be encouraged to use it positively.”

According to the organisers, there are about 15 categories under which awards will be given. Among others, the awards will recognise musicians, comedians, movie and fashion stars, service providers and customer care institutions, public organisations, financial institution and media houses.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw