We successfully expanded the successful Social Impact Award conducted in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into a combined East Africa Social Impact Award for all the countries of the East African Community (Uganda, DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan) whereby youth were encouraged to submit ideas for social impact or very early stage impactful enterprises. Finalists from an English-speaking cluster and finalists from a French-speaking cluster were selected by a jury of experts and received the support needed to bring their ideas to fruition and have the impact they wish to see as empowered social entrepreneurs. An intense bootcamp happened in Kampala (Uganda), and another one in Bukavu (DRC) with all finalists and final pitch event, where the winners were selected by the jury.
Congratulations to all Finalists!
Whisp Health (Uganda)
Whisp Health provides automated voice call reminders for patients, ensuring they take their medication and attend doctor appointments on time. Their innovative system is tailored to hospitals and communicates in patients’ preferred languages, promoting health compliance and convenience.
Happy Cheeks (Uganda)
Happy Cheeks creates sustainable, eco-friendly diapers made from maize straws and organic cotton. These diapers reduce waste and promote healthier, environmentally-conscious baby care practices in Uganda.
Smile Hair Extensions (Uganda)
Smile Hair Extensions produces biodegradable, eco-friendly hair extensions from banana fibers. Their natural alternative to synthetic extensions reduces soil pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while empowering communities through sustainable practices.
Taxel (Burundi)
Taxel builds electric motor-tricycles using locally available materials to tackle fuel shortages and high transportation costs in Burundi. Their solution provides sustainable and efficient mobility while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Fourrage Hydroponique (Burundi)
Fourrage Hydroponique grows clean, nutritious green fodder for livestock using hydroponic technology without soil. This year-round innovation supports farmers, boosts livestock productivity, and combats malnutrition in Burundi.
Fuel for Kivu Innovation (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Fuel for Kivu Innovation combats pollution by recycling plastic waste into fuel for cars and motor vehicles. Their solution addresses waste management challenges while creating a sustainable energy source.
On November 23rd the final SIA-East Africa Pitch Event happened at Jangu International with all 6 finalists who pitched before an independent Jury and the winners were chosen by an audience Vote and the decision of the Jury. The Winners of the SIA-East Africa Program 2024 are; Taxel, Fuel for Kivu Innovation, Happy cheeks, and Whisp Health Uganda, and each of the ventures shall receive a start-up fund of $500. The Winners shall also qualify to apply to join the winners from Armenia, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, India, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Türkiye, and Ukraine at next year’s global summit. The SIA-East Africa Team shall be participating in the Global Summit happening in Germany in the coming days, organized by Social Impact Award International.
