As part of the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Smart Africa has launched a call for projects to find suitable digital solutions to counter the virus. Since COVID-19 is highly contagious, Africa must seize the opportunity to take vigorous measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.

In order to deal with this unique crisis, by its scale and its impact on society, through this call for projects, the Smart Africa Secretariat wishes to support digital health service projects which aim to improve and accelerate the response of African governments to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

Read also:Covid-19 Therapeutics Accelerator Awards $20 Million in Initial Grants to Fund Clinical Trials

The project will therefore address the following issues:

• Assess individual risk and guide decision-making;

• Help African populations find nearby test sites;

• Provide reliable updates and alerts from public health authorities;

• Report on the status of the community;

• Track and report transmissions.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection of innovative startups or SMEs solution (s) will be done in two (2) phases. The first phase consists of preselecting the entity according to the relevance of the project to fight against the coronavirus epidemic in the member countries of the Alliance, in accordance with an assessment of the concept note submitted and the reliability of the solution for a rapid large-scale implementation plan.

Read also:How Covid-19 Affects Africa’s Oil Producing Countries

The shortlist will be presented to member states for their interest, requests and feedback on the implementation of the solution in their respective countries. The second phase consists of selecting one (1) to three (3) projects from the shortlist of shortlisted projects based on the experience of the team and proven ability to implement the project. In addition to the funding available for the implementation of the winning project, Smart Africa may also facilitate access to other sources of funding and investment for the shortlisted projects.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

A specific submission framework should be followed to facilitate the review and evaluation by the Smart Africa Secretariat of the responses received. A response to this call for projects must include the following sections in the order indicated:

a) A cover letter confirming the entity’s interest in responding to the call for projects;

b) A technical proposal containing:
– A concept note of the innovative solution (s);
– Technical specifications;
– The experience of the team;
– The work plan / timetable for implementation in the member countries of the Alliance;
– The experience / profiles of the project team;
– The implementation plan with budget and schedule.

c) Any other relevant documentation as an additional value proposition. 8.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

The complete electronic copies of the applications must be sent before April 2, 2020, at 5 p.m., by e-mail to covid19@smartafrica.org with an e-mail title marked as follows: “#TBD”: “Urgent call for projects: Solutions solutions for governments to fight the Cororanivus pandemic (COVID-19) in Africa.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.
He could be contacted at udohrapulu@gmail.com