Innovative social entrepreneurs stand to win a total of Rwf24.6 million in Tigo Rwanda’s annual Digital Changemakers competition.

The contest, which is conducted in partnership with local NGO, Reach for Change, seeks to recognise and support social entrepreneurs that use technology and digital tools to develop communities and impact their livelihoods and those future generations.

This year’s competition is looking for innovations that focus on broadening financial inclusion and digital inclusion.

"We are looking for the best innovative digital ideas that can provide genuine solutions to problems facing children and society, while at the same time promoting connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital inclusion particularly in deprived communities. We believe social entrepreneurship has the power to drive change in our communities,” said Lindy Larson, the Reach for Change Africa programmes manager.

Cash prizes for winners

In addition to the cash prize of Rwf8.2 million each, the three selected innovators will receive coaching and mentorship, as well as other tools to support their social enterprises, develop as leaders and access to a global network of existing social entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the launch event at KLab, Tigo chief business officer, Amit Chawla, said the telecom and Reach for Change have so far supported 12 social entrepreneurs in the Reach for Change Incubator, "who have impacted the lives of over 66,000 children in Rwanda”. "We are, therefore, excited to bring to the fore even more young innovators with this competition,” Chawla said.

Who can participate

Individuals with initiatives that use digital tools and technology to create impact are encouraged to apply. Aneth Batamuliza, the Reach for Change programme officer, said they are looking for social entrepreneurs that have a working prototype that fit this year focus area of digital and financial inclusion.

"The social entrepreneurs should be able to identify a problem in their community and come up with an innovative solution through an organisation they could have formed using digital tools and technology to better the lives of people,” she added.

The application window opened on October 13 and closes on November 17. Interested social entrepreneurs can visit the Tigo Digital Changemakers website: www.tigo.co.rw/digitalchangemakers, to apply.