Etisalat Dangles ‘Pan-African Prize for Innovation

Etisalat Nigeria has announced the launch of the 2013 edition of the ‘Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation to reward the most innovative mobile broadband product, idea or service in Africa.

This award will be presented at the 16th Annual AfricaCom Conference in, Cape Town, South Africa, between November 12 and 14 2013.

The Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation will seek to recognise the most innovative mobile broadband product, service or idea that provides a significant utility to African mobile users and can demonstrate a valuable social or economic impact on customers. Entries for the award, opeed on August 27, 2013 via the Etisalat website.

According to Enitan Denloye, director, Brands and Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, the Prize will be awarded in two sub categories, namely: 1st Prize for the most innovative product or service that was launched in the last 18 months, and 2nd Prize for the most innovative idea driving or facilitating mobile broadband use in Africa.

The winner of the first category will be awarded with the sum of $25,000, 3 Devices, a Business Development Mentoring (in-House) programme, and a possible commercial partnership with Etisalat.

The winner of the second category will receive a cash prize of $10,000, 3 Devices, Product Incubation Programme, Business Development Mentoring (in-House) programme, access to network resources for testing, knowledge base, as well as a pilot study (terms apply) and analysis via Etisalat’s customer base.

“Broadband is primarily mobile in the African continent and critical to its economic development. At Etisalat, we believe that innovation should go beyond improvements in existing products and services, and instead have valuable social and economic impact on customers. In support of this belief, Etisalat is proud to announce the 2013 edition of this prize to encourage and celebrate innovation in the African market,” Denloye stated

The award is open to African Mobile Broadband eco-system like Handset and Device manufacturers/customizers’, Dongles & Modems, Embedded Devices, Tablets and eReaders. Also eligible are SMEs and individuals developing innovative mobile broadband solutions.