Google has announced the 20 semi-finalists of its Africa Connected competition, with Kenyan and South African applicants featuring prominently on the shortlist.
Google has announced the 20 semi-finalists of its Africa Connected competition, with Kenyan and South African applicants featuring prominently on the shortlist.
Launched in August 2013, the competition asked applicants to explain how they have used internet tools to change their businesses and by extension their daily lives.
The 20 semi-finalists – featuring five Kenyans, six South Africans, three Nigerians, two Ghanaians, and one applicant each from Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe – were selected from 2,200 applications spanning 35 countries.
Five contenders will win the prize of US$25,000 each, as well as the opportunity to work with a Google sponsor for six months to develop their online business.
“We received over 2,200 entries from a diverse set of 35 countries across the continent, ranging from Mali to Uganda to Namibia.
Each of them demonstrated how people are using the web and technology to overcome challenges, do extraordinary things, and be successful, not only for themselves but also for others in their communities,” said Affiong Osuchukwu, Google lead for the Africa Connected initiative.
“The projects include everything from using YouTube to learn about eco-friendly building techniques, to an award-winning blog on mental health. Selecting the 20 semi-finalists was tough, but we were really impressed with their initiatives, and wish them the best in the next round!”
A judging panel including Google representatives as well as a number of external judges, will determine the 10 finalists, with the public then deciding on the final five winners through an online vote.
The winners will be announced on April 1, at an event in Nairobi, Kenya.
Among the semi-finalists, South African Johann du Toit submitted his website Curriculum Vitae, which helps users easily create a CV, with the majority of users accessing the service through their Google+ account.
Du Toit told HumanIPO the competition gives Africans the support and exposure necessary to display their talent and innovations on a global scale.
“Google is showing the world that Africa is here, and we are doing amazing things,” du Toit said.
“With companies like Google giving both the tools and exposure through initiatives like Africa Connected we can do amazing things that can change things globally.”
The competition spans the categories of education, entertainment/arts/sports, technology, community and NGOs, and small businesses.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
