Call for Entries: 2025 Connected ICT Innovation Awards Open to African Tech Trailblazers

The organisers of the Connected Africa Summit have officially announced the 2025 Connected ICT Innovation Awards, calling on tech innovators across Africa to submit their transformative solutions for a chance to be recognised on a continental stage.

Recognising Africa’s Most Impactful Digital Innovations

Now in its 13th year, the Connected ICT Innovation Awards spotlight Africa’s leading innovations that are shaping the future of the digital economy. For 2025, the awards will focus on four pivotal categories:

• AgriTech – innovations that transform agricultural productivity and food systems
• GreenTech – technologies advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience
• Creative Economy – digital tools powering Africa’s creative sectors
• AI & Cybersecurity for Business and Government – solutions that apply artificial intelligence or safeguard data at enterprise or state level

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a legally registered company in an African country
• Offer a product or service that has been operational for at least six months
• Demonstrate impact by serving African end-users either directly or through partnerships

Applications are now open and will close on May 2, 2025. Submissions can be made via the official website: https://connected.go.ke

Winners to Be Honoured at the 2025 Connected Africa Summit

Winners in each category will be celebrated during the Connected Africa Summit 2025, which is set to take place from May 26 to 29 at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani, Kenya. Awardees will receive trophies, certificates, and – perhaps most critically – exposure to investors, partners, and customers across the African tech ecosystem.

Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority, underscored the role of innovation in the continent’s digital future:

“Innovation is the cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation, and the Connected ICT Innovation Awards continue to showcase the continent’s incredible potential. We invite all innovators to step forward with solutions that are shaping our future from agriculture and green tech to AI and creative industries.”

A Proven Platform for Growth

Since the awards were introduced in 2011, over 110 ICT solutions have been recognised for their innovation, scalability, and regional impact. Many past winners have gone on to achieve notable growth and visibility after their wins.

A case in point is Elly Savatia, founder of Signvrse, who was First Runners-Up in the Healthcare category in 2024. Speaking about the impact of the awards, Savatia said:

“The platform offered us both visibility and validation, and it has truly helped accelerate our journey.”

Pan-African Judging Panel

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of distinguished judges drawn from across Africa’s tech and innovation landscape. Evaluation criteria will include innovation, user impact, scalability potential, and relevance to the award categories.

The awards are part of the broader Connected Africa Summit programme, a premier regional event that brings together government officials, industry leaders, academia, and innovators to drive forward the continent’s digital transformation agenda.

Final Thoughts

The Connected ICT Innovation Awards are more than just accolades – they are a launchpad for Africa’s most promising innovations to break through on a regional and global scale. With the 2025 summit just months away, the window to participate in this transformative opportunity is now.