The Global Engagement Center division of the United States Department of State has unveiled the premier edition of the U.S. Africa Tech Challenge.
The challenge seeks to discover African technologies that address the problem of state and non-state disinformation and propaganda which pose a threat to trust, cohesion, and security.
Report by microsoftcaregh indicate that the official announcement was made by Dr David Bray, inaugural Director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center and Executive Director of Commission on Geopolitical impacts of New Technologies and Data highlighted this during this year’s East AfricaCom 2020 virtual event.
Although no official date has been given for the challenge, it is however, expected to come off early 2021.
Technologists from across Africa have already submitted their applications and are expected to present their solution against malignant disinformation to an audience of government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders during the competition.
Eight organizations will be chosen to demonstrate their technologies after which up to three of them will be adjudged winners of the challenge. These winners will receive funding totalling $250,000.
The U.S. – Africa Tech Challenge is sponsored by the U.S. State Department’s Global Engagement Center, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and Park Advisors.
It will be held on the margins of East Africa Com, one of the premier events for digital communications and will provide participants with an opportunity for networking and partnership building.
