A leading independent data, voice and IP provider in eastern, central and southern Africa, Liquid Telecom has announced that it will hosting Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT)’s 2019 MIT’s Inclusive Innovation Challenge (IIC) in Africa to help entrepreneurs re-invent the way technology innovation is harnessed.

Liquid Telecom, was named the official partner for the challenge in Africa and will serve as the outreach partner for the continent, where it will play an important role in recruiting African entrepreneurs and innovators to participate in the challenge.

The 2019 IIC has four categories focused on creating solutions to help people prosper in the era of automation. These are technology access, financial inclusion, skills development and opportunity matching, and income growth and job creation.

Through its Innovation Partnership initiative, Liquid Telecom will be encouraging African based start-ups, innovators and technology companies to take part in the various challenges. The IIC will award a total of $1.6 million this year —including $250,000 to each of the four winning organisations.

According to Liquid Telecom’s Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Ben Roberts, “Liquid Telecom is looking forward to working with MIT on delivering the IIC in Africa as it is aligned with our mission to support innovation, using digital technology, across the continent.

“As an African company, greater inclusion in both the creation and application of technology is fundamental to Liquid Telecom’s DNA.

“We are happy to help IIC reach more entrepreneurs and innovators across the continent,” he added.