Ten innovators from eight countries across the world have gathered in Nairobi, Kenya to compete in Global Innovation Week from March 31 – April 4, 2014.
The innovations drawn from Indonesia, South Africa, Pakistan, Ghana, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique have been selected as finalists of the Global Innovation Competition which seeks to recognise and reward creative and cutting-edge solutions to enhance government transparency and accountability.
Precious Nyarko of Ghana Petrol Watch and Billow Hassan of The Mandera Times
The Global Innovation Week is intended to provide finalists with a platform for testing and further development of all innovations. This morning, all finalists have converged to begin their programme of networking and mentorship. Mentors consist of the competition jury, members of government and civil society organisations.
Patricia Nyaundi, Secretary to the Commission of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
Speaking at the opening of the week Patricia Nyaundi, Secretary to the Commission of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said, “it’s uplifting to hear that ordinary citizens in Indonesia, South Africa, Pakistan, Ghana, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Mozambique and right here in Kenya have taken the responsibility to uphold human rights for all, and have taken their time to work on innovations that improve dialogue between government and citizens.”
She urged contestants, “as you start the Global Innovation Week understand that you are now in positions of leadership. You have been selected by your fellow citizens and your peers as the best of the best. I urge you to take on the challenge that Nelson Mandela issued by rising to be the ordinary men and women whom became the makers of history.”
The Global Innovation Week will culminate with the Global Innovation Gala on April 3, 2014 where contestants will make one final pitch of their idea, before the winners are announced.
The grand prize is a £65,000 grant plus mentorship over a six-month period. The two runners-up will each receive a £35,000 grant plus expert mentorship over a six-month period while seven smaller prizes of £5,000 also awarded. The grants will transform the initiatives from valuable ideas and proven concepts to solutions at scale.
Video summaries of the days activities will be uploaded daily to the Making All Voices Count website. Follow #MAVCGIC or @AllVoicesCount on twitter for live updates. An album of photos from the mornings launch are available here.