Oracle Academy, Oracle's global philanthropic educational program, advances computing education worldwide, focusing on preparing students for the modern workforce by increasing knowledge, skills development, and diversity in technology. In Africa, Oracle Academy partners with thousands of educational institutions to help millions of students become college and career-ready, especially in emerging fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data science, and the Internet of Things.

The Oracle Academy Cloud Program provides educators and students with free access to Oracle's latest technologies, including cloud tools, databases, and hands-on labs. This program allows students to gain practical, industry-relevant skills by working directly with Oracle Cloud services, which include Oracle Autonomous Database and virtual machines. Educators can easily set up and manage classroom environments in the cloud, enabling students to explore, build, and develop real-world applications, ensuring they have a competitive edge as they enter the job market.

Telkom SA SOC Limited, a majority state-owned South African telecommunications provider, operates across 38 African countries. With a rich history dating back to 1860, Telkom has grown into a key player in the telecom industry, providing both wireline and wireless services. The company played a pivotal role in launching mobile operations in South Africa and remains at the forefront of innovation with its own 3G network under Telkom Mobile.

Recently, Telkom introduced a groundbreaking Field Management Digital System, the first of its kind in African telcos, to revolutionize precision marketing. This system integrates business and network synergy, enabling marketing teams to optimize campaigns by linking them with field network quality. This approach improves operational efficiency, enhances customer experience, and significantly increases campaign success rates, aligning with Telkom's goal of transforming its marketing and network operations. This innovation is the reason for Telkom's nomination, showcasing its leadership in digital transformation within the African telecom industry.

Nokia's Rural Connect initiative, led by the MEA Center of Expertise (CoE), represents a transformative approach to delivering sustainable and energy-efficient connectivity solutions in rural and emerging markets. Designed with a focus on reusability, scalability, and off-grid deployment, the initiative brings connectivity to remote areas by utilizing renewable energy sources and easily redeployable components. Nokia Rural Connect provides flexible connectivity options, including Microwave, UE relay, and Satellite, allowing it to adapt to various terrains and technical requirements.

Already deployed in countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, with ongoing projects in Mali and further discussions across Africa and the Middle East, Nokia Rural Connect offers a full turnkey solution that is both scalable and environmentally responsible. With its optimized total cost of ownership (TCO), off-grid solar solutions, and comprehensive 360-degree monitoring, the initiative is set to revolutionize rural connectivity, making it a deserving candidate for the Innovation for Impact Award.

Vertiv, a global leader in data center infrastructure and services, has introduced Vertiv™ MegaMod™ CoolChip, a groundbreaking solution designed to address the growing power and cooling demands of AI-driven data centers. Leveraging direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology, this solution efficiently handles the high heat output of AI compute platforms, including CPUs and GPUs. It offers a modular and scalable design, allowing for rapid deployment and customization to meet the needs of modern data centers.

The MegaMod CoolChip solution is available globally and supports AI compute systems with a high-density liquid cooling infrastructure, integrated plumbing, and high-efficiency power distribution. With its prefabricated modular design, customers can achieve faster installation times, reducing risk and ensuring efficient operation. As a partner in the NVIDIA Partner Network (NPN), Vertiv's solution is validated by leading industry players, making it a transformative force in AI-driven data centers.

Airtel Networks Limited, one of Nigeria’s top telecommunications service providers, has implemented an innovative solution in collaboration with Huawei to address the challenges of weak coverage and coverage gaps in densely populated urban areas. The Lean Site Solution, developed by Huawei, integrates simplified Remote Radio Units (RRU) with antennas to enhance coverage and improve user experience. This solution also contributes to operational efficiency by eliminating the need for diesel generators (DG), significantly reducing OPEX for Airtel.

By adopting the Lean Site Solution, Airtel has successfully resolved deployment challenges in urban settings, delivering improved network performance while reducing environmental impact. This initiative highlights the technical and business value of Huawei’s solution, making Airtel a leader in innovative telecom service delivery in Nigeria.

Since its inception in 2007, WIOCC Group has been a transformative force in Africa’s digital infrastructure landscape, driving innovation through its converged open-access digital infrastructure (CODI). The parent company of WIOCC, Africa’s digital backbone, and Open Access Data Centres (OADC), WIOCC Group is leading Africa’s digital transformation by deploying scalable, open-access infrastructure that interconnects digital hubs and high-capacity networks. This infrastructure facilitates improved, cost-effective access to digital content, services, and technologies for cloud operators, telcos, ISPs, and businesses across the continent.

WIOCC Group’s unique CODI offering has been instrumental in minimizing service disruptions caused by subsea cable outages, ensuring reliable internet connectivity for African businesses and individuals. By extending the cloud edge closer to the network edge, CODI enables the cost-effective deployment of digital services, empowering businesses and improving lives across Africa. This innovative approach is fostering global investment and positioning WIOCC Group as a key player in Africa’s digital future.

The product or service must demonstrate a significant departure from traditional methods, introducing a novel approach that redefines industry standards and practices.

The innovation should have a measurable and positive impact on businesses and individuals, providing clear benefits such as increased efficiency, cost savings, enhanced performance, or improved quality of life.

The innovation must show evidence of market adoption and success, demonstrating that it meets the needs and preferences of its target audience effectively.