Yesterday, Innovation Village reported that entries are now open for the inaugural edition of the West Africa Mobile Awards with entries being accepted across the West African sub-region. Being the first of its kind, organizers said the awards strive to identify, recognise, and celebrate the individuals and companies that are the driving force of mobile innovation in the region. In this exclusive interview, organizer of the award, Andrew Fassnidge sheds more light on everything you need to know about the awards.
Innovation Village: What are the prizes that the winners will be getting?
Fassnidge: Prestige, prestige, prestige! Winners are going to be recognized as the best in the industry. Better than all the rest. They will have a dream public relations story to tell with the assembled international media, industry peers and investors. Winners will also receive a year’s free membership with MEF (Mobile Ecosystem Forum) and If the winners award category is relevant, you will be automatically shortlisted for a MEFFY – giving you the opportunity to benchmark your company, product, or service against the global mobile ecosystem leaders.
Who are the ideal entrants?
We believe start-ups deserve as much recognition as blue chip companies if their contribution and technology stand up, therefore the awards are open to all individuals or entities who can demonstrate suitability for the category entered and impress our expert panel of judges.
Where is the award expected to take the West African ecosystem to?
Our aim is to promote the West African Mobile space internationally and through our partnership with MEF, we will plug some of these winners onto the international stage giving them global recognition and opportunities.
Nigeria is expected to dominate the awards. Will there be special consideration for startups coming from elsewhere, especially Francophone West African countries?
Our aim is to promote the best in mobile from across the whole of West Africa so ultimately it will be down to our independent panel of expert industry judges to decide on who meets the specific criteria in each category. Regardless of countries, the cream will rise to the top so no special considerations are needed if the technology on contribution is good enough.
What partnership and sponsorship opportunities are still available?
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available for brands who want to be associated with the leading individuals and organisations in the West African mobile industry. With packages ranging from $5000 to $15,000 there is a fantastic array of ways that brands can get involved and gain visibility and awareness.
Click here for more information about the award and how to enter. Submission of entries closes on February 21.
