Posted by: Nicky Verd Comments: 0 Post Date: May 5, 2018

 
Southern Africa Startup Awards is a circuit of Global Startup Awards, aplatform that provides an annual spotlight to those who dare to dream big and shape the way our future will look. It celebrates high caliber founders who not only drive their businesses with passion and energy but also take responsibility for the execution of their ideas. Global Startup Awards brings together talented entrepreneurs, investors, and other thought leaders in the world of technology. 
 
This will be the very first ever edition on the African continent and offers the best value to the startups ecosystem in the region with key industry players and a global recognition. This platform offers a clear understanding of the steps startups need to succeed and a bridge that connects them to the global network, with international media attention and valuable package of services. 
 
The Global Startup Awards is the largest independent startup-ecosystem competition which already covers +45 countries in 5 regions of Europe and Asia and now Africa. This Award is to recognize our tech superheroes, founders and innovative entrepreneurs that are shaping our continent, starting with Southern Africa – with their innovations and technology. Each individual regional award places a heavy focus on unearthing and celebrating the very best from within their respective startup ecosystems & connecting each of the countries to create a stronger united network of entrepreneurs.
 

“The startup ecosystem in Africa has grown immensely over the last five years and it is important to show more support. Other regions around the world are also taking advantage of the opportunity to show the best startups in their ecosystem recognition through the Global Startup Awards and Southern Africa is pleased to be among them.”

The events already has the support of companies including Microsoft, Google, Amazon Web Services, Facebook and IBM.


The mission is to “find, celebrate, connect, and support key players at the national and regional startup ecosystems and to fuse them together in a global entrepreneurial network.” The hope is to create a matrix of opportunities for international partnerships, investment opportunities and commercial exchange for all participating and winning technology startups.

“People always consider Africa as the last part of the world, whereas we have so much here that we can compete with at a global level when it comes to technology and innovation” says Mckevin Ayaba, CEO at the Southern Africa Startup Awards.

 
There are 15 categories that contestants can participate in: 

 

  • Startup of the Year
  • Best Newcomer
  • Founder of the Year
  • Investor of the Year
  • Female Role model in Tech
  • Best Social Impact Startup
  • Best Fintech Startup
  • Best FoodTech / Agritech Startup
  • Best Student Startup
  • Best Edutech Startup
  • Best Accelerator / Incubator Programme
  • Best Coworking Space
  • Best Startup Ecosystem Initiative
  • Peoples Choice Award
  • Best Water Crisis Management Solution

 

Southern Africa Startup Awards invites nominations from all 15 SADC countries. So, if you are a high caliber founder, innovative entrepreneur or tech/web startup from any of the 15 countries in the SADC region, and you believe you’ve got what it takes, then these awards are for you. Anyone from anywhere in the world can nominate their Startup Superheroes from any of these participating countries. Nominate here.
 
These Countries are:

 

  1. South Africa
  2. Botswana
  3. Zimbabwe
  4. Mozambique
  5. Swaziland
  6. Zambia
  7. Namibia
  8. Tanzania
  9. Angola
  10. Malawi
  11. Mauritius
  12. Madagascar
  13. Democratic Republic of Congo
  14. Seychelles
  15. Lesotho.

 

The Regional Grand Finale will take place in Johannesburg on 31st October 2018 @ Emperors Palace.  

Nominations will close on 31st May 2018, National finalists will be published 9th July 2018. Public voting will open 10th July 2018, with national voting rounds closing 27th August 2018. More info on dates here.
 
 
You can follow Southern Africa Startup Awards on their Social Media platforms Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or visit website for all updates. Also follow Global Startup Award on Social Media

By Nicky Verd
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Nicky Verd, a Prolific Writer, KickAss Blogger, Transformational Speaker and Brand Ambassador For SAS_Awards. 
Her purpose in life is to serve, empower and ignite human potential. She is passionate about inspiring you to Take Ownership of Your Life.

Follow her on Social Media because personal transformation doesn’t just happen. It takes daily wisdom, tips and a support system. 

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