On Wednesday 23 May, Google will be launching the 2018 Africa Global Impact Challenge, an Africa-wide competition to find the most innovative not-for-profit African organisations using technology to solve societal problems in Africa.
At Google for Nigeria, Google CEO, Sundar Pichai announced a $20M commitment from Google.org over the next 5 years to support nonprofits who are working to improve lives across the African continent. As part of this commitment, Google.org will invest $6M to run three Google Impact Challenges in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya, as an open call for nonprofits and social enterprises. Together with the grants to be awarded, awardees will also be getting training and mentorship to help them push their ideas to the conclusion.
In each country, there will be 4 winners receiving a $250k grant each: 3 of these winners will be selected by a judge panel made up of high level policy targets and KOF’s in each market, one winner will be selected through a public vote. Additionally, 8 runners-up will receive a $125k grant each. The final winner selection / award ceremonies will be held during the week of November 26th inLagos, Johannesburg and Nairobi.
Why this matters to Google?
Many African innovators are doing great work with real impact and Google is keen to shine a light on their work, and also give a financial boost to their projects and ideas. We believe technology can help local and national organisations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and Google is eager to provide support to individuals and organizations using technology in new ways to make a positive difference.
Timelines and dates
May 23 – Applications open
July 4 – Applications close
July 5 – Application review starts
Oct 15 – Finalists selected and notified
Nov 5 – Public voting opens
Nov 25 – Public voting closes
Week of Nov 26 – Final event & judge winners selected
How to apply:
Application sites available from May 23rd can be found as follows. After the twelve finalists are selected, the site will feature them and encourage the public to vote for their favorite.
Kenya: g.co/kenyachallenge
Nigeria: g.co/nigeriachallenge
South Africa: g.co/southafricachallenge
Judges
Eghosa Omoigui- Managing General Partner, EchoVC Partners
John Momoh- Chairman and CEO of Channels Media Group
Juliet Ehimuan- Country Director, Google Nigeria
Kanu Nwankwo OON- Ex Footballer and Founder of Kanu Heart Foundation
Leo Stan Ekeh- Chairman and CEO of Zinox Technologies
MI Abaga – Rapper and CEO of Chocolate City Music Group
Mo Abudu- Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV
Oluseyi Oyebisi- Philanthropist and Executive Director of Nigeria Network of NGOs
Parminder Vir OBE – Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation
Criteria for Assessment:
Community Impact: Does the proposed project create economic opportunity in Nigeria? Does it improve the lives of people in our country?
Innovation: Does the project present unexpected solutions to unmet needs?
Reach: Does it have the potential to scale directly or to serve as a model for other communities? Will its scope grow over time?
Feasibility: Is the project plan (or business plan) well thought-out, and the team well-equipped to execute on it?