Google challenges Africans

If you work at a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), a nonprofit organisation (NPO) or a charity, Google has good news for you.

The search engine giant has announced the Google Impact Challenge South Africa and is calling on NGOs, NPOs and charities to submit innovations and ideas to improve lives.

Google is committing $2 million (R25 million) in grants for ideas the challenge’s judging panel deem worthy of being funded. The judging panel includes HuffPost SA editor-at-large Ferial Haffajee, Google SA country manager Luke Mckend, singer and entrepreneur Yvonne Chaka Chaka and TV personality Maps Maponyane.

“Many African NPOs are doing great work with real impact and we’re keen to shine a light on them and give a financial boost to innovative projects and ideas,” said Google Africa chief marketing officer Mzamo Masito. “We believe technology can help local and national organisations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. We’re eager to back people using technology in new ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”

Applications open today and close on July 4. The judges will select 12 finalists, three of whom will get $250 000 in funding, technological aid to bring their idea to fruition and mentorship through Google’s NGO network.

A fourth entrant from the remaining nine will also be eligible for $250 000, although this winner will be chosen by a public vote, opening on November 4 and closing on November 25. The eight runners-up will get $125 000 in funding and support from Google. The ideas don’t have to be technology based, although Google encourages this.

Past winners from around the world include smart cameras for wildlife conservation and solar lights for off-grid communities.