The event brought together technologists, entrepreneurs, and social impact advocates to recognise projects making strides in health, education, and community welfare. Central to the event were awards for the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) and the Orange Summer Challenge (OSC), with over P180, 000 distributed to the top-performing teams. The OSVP, a mainstay of Orange Botswana’s commitment to social responsibility, honoured projects aimed at practical and sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
he grand prize of P50, 000 went to the Ikatise Mobile App, a platform developed to help address resource shortages in remote and underserved communities. Ikatise’s model provides easy access to vital services and information, filling a significant gap for users in remote areas with limited resources. Its creators see it as a step toward greater accessibility and empowerment for marginalised groups. Second place in the OSVP awarding of P30, 000, went to Benchwarmers, a project that aims to make essential resources accessible in community spaces, fostering communal support and resource sharing. In third place, with a P20, 000 prize, was Duela Tech, a start-up dedicated to digital financial solutions. Duela Tech’s model addresses challenges around financial literacy and access, targeting communities that may otherwise be underserved by traditional financial services. Through mobile technology, Duela Tech offers users a convenient and affordable entry point into financial independence and empowerment. In addition to OSVP, the OSC recognised three standout projects in technology-based solutions with high social impact.
The top prize of P50, 000 was awarded to Project ReVision, which uses augmented reality to transform learning experiences for students, particularly in resource-limited educational settings. The project is designed to make learning more interactive and engaging, aiming to bridge learning gaps that arise from limited educational resources. This augmented reality tool has the potential to bring subjects like science and history to life, adding a dynamic layer to conventional learning. The first runner-up for the OSC, Push Assist Pro, received P30, 000 for its work in enhancing educational accessibility. This initiative focuses on leveraging technology to bring learning resources closer to students, especially those in rural areas who may not have regular access to classrooms or study materials. The second runner-up, Road Ready, earned P20, 000 for its approach to road safety using data-driven solutions. Road Ready’s model aims to create safer journeys by monitoring driver behaviours, thereby potentially reducing accidents and improving road safety nationwide. Orange Botswana has positioned the OSVP and OSC as important channels for nurturing tech-driven solutions to social issues, providing financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to participants. Both initiatives serve as pathways for emerging innovators to gain visibility and further develop their concepts whilst emphasising that meaningful change can come from local talent.
In a statement at the event, the Orange Botswana’s leadership underscored the company’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where bright ideas are met with the resources needed to flourish, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in driving community-centred solutions. The event underscored how the convergence of technology and social impact is reshaping approaches to community development across Botswana. Through the OSVP and OSC, Orange Botswana continues to foster a community of innovators dedicated to creating solutions that resonate with local needs. The day provided an opportunity for winners to discuss their projects with peers and potential collaborators, fostering an environment of shared learning and growth. By building a platform for these projects, Orange Botswana is working to create sustained impact through innovation, supporting projects that could significantly improve daily lives across Botswana.
The Orange Innovation Day has, over the years, become a fixture in Botswana’s innovation landscape, emphasising a shift towards homegrown solutions for local issues. The gathering not only celebrates achievements but also builds momentum for tech-based social ventures, enabling innovators to gain insight, connect with mentors, and explore ways to expand their reach. With each passing year, the event showcases the potential of technology to contribute meaningfully to education, economic inclusion, and public safety—reflecting a broader movement towards integrating social purpose into technological innovation.
