Nominees for the 5th Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA) are out. And the winners will be awarded September 21, according organisers- HiPipo, a diversified company with operations covering digital, music and events.
Just like in 2017, the 2018 Digital Impact Awards Africa under the “Include Everyone” Program is set to recognize and reward individuals and organizations across Africa that are spearheading the use of digital tools to not only enhance financial and digital inclusion but also lead to continental economic transformation.
Slated to take place at the Kampala Serena Hotel, under the theme ‘Include Everyone’ has 35 categories and covers all entities that are using digital tools to improve the livelihood of their clientele. Some of the major categories are Digital Brand of the Year, Best Internet Service Provider, Best Financial Inclusion for the Poor, Best Use of Social Media by Bank, Technology, Utility and Government Agencies among others.
“After proper scrutiny of all submissions and detailed research, allow me share with you the list of the 2018 Digital Impact Awards Africa nominees. We commend those that are faithfully investing in the digital and financial inclusion journey across the continent, “Innocent Kawooya, the HiPipo CEO said while releasing the nominations.
Additionally, in an effort to promote the digitalization of trade processes in Uganda and across Africa, the DIAA board has created a special category named Commendation for Trade Digitization. “This special recognition (Commendation for Trade Digitization) will go to an individual, government or non-government agency that is spearheading the digitalization of trade through introducing, funding and supporting electronic trade facilitation projects and processes,” Innocent Kawooya said
However, the Commendation for Trade Digitization category has no nominees. “The winner will be decided after a thorough scrutiny of the current electronic trade facilitation projects. We shall engage various trade stakeholders before zeroing down on the overall winner,” he said.
Meanwhile Kawooya has asked the government to reconsider its position on OTT/Social media Tax, the same way it did with mobile money tax.
“The past few weeks have been very challenging for those passionate about digital and financial inclusion. It is good to know that the government of Uganda has received feedback from the populace and working to fix the issues raised around mobile money tax. We request it to also find time and review the OTT tax as well,” he said.
DIAA is a platform that promotes Digital inclusion, financial inclusion and Cybersecurity under the theme Maximizing the Digital Dividend. The Awards seek to recognize and appreciate different organizations that are spearheading the use of digital mediums in this respect. Digital Impact Awards Africa is organized by HiPipo in partnership with Cyberplc and Global Networks Limited.
To be considered, nominees must have substantially contributed to digital space in Africa. Entries should be offering innovative, useful or engaging digital (web, mobile, social media) content, applications, services or utilities including digital financial services with good cybersecurity practices. Nominees may be of companies (Corporate/SMEs), nonprofit organizations, digital applications, projects, platforms and promotions. The scope of eligible organisations excludes media houses.
The project covers 3 main domains: Digital Inclusion, Financial Inclusion and Cybersecurity.