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The menace of fake news has grown such that it can no longer be passively ignored. In a world that is becoming more volatile and unstable, disinformation and propaganda have the capacity to divide society, incite violence and hate, brainwash feeble minds, undermine democracy, and erode trust, unity, and security.
These negative effects of misinformation and propaganda engender the crucial need to leverage technologies to curb these threats, effectively nipping them in the bud.
To this end, the US-Africa Tech Challenge opens applications to techpreneurs from Africa who can proffer solutions to the problems of disinformation and propaganda before an audience of civil society, government, and private sector stakeholders.
About The US-Africa Tech Challenge
The tech challenge is backed by the U.S. State Department’s Global Engagement Center, in collaboration with U.S. Embassy Nairobi, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Park Advisors, Informa, and Twitter with more partners soon to be announced.
The US-Africa Tech Challenge is designed as a two-part virtual event. Up to eight organizations will be selected to demo their technology. Next, up to three organizations will be selected as finalists of the Challenge and will receive USD $250,000 in funding.
Part I will hold virtually in April 2021 where the organizations that have been chosen will be given about 25 minutes to pitch their solution to a closed audience, after which they will be engaged in a question and answer session before a panel of judges.
Part II is scheduled to take place on the margins of East Africa Com -one of the premier events for digital communications- on May 11- 12, 2021. This will afford participants an opportunity to network and build partnerships, albeit virtually.
Interested applicants should note that the US-Africa Tech Challenge seeks to accelerate the growth of practical and innovative technologies that address disinformation and propaganda across Africa.
Hence, only submissions from companies domiciled and headquartered in Africa will be considered.
Deadline
The application period for the US-Africa Tech Challenge 2021 closes on Sunday, February 28, 2021. To request details on eligibility and other pertinent instructions, send an email to [email protected]
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