Vilcom Networks was named digital Learning Infrastructure Deployment of the Year at the 11th Africa Digital Economy Awards in Nairobi on 9 September.
The Kenyan technology solutions provider was recognised for its role in deploying digital learning equipment to junior secondary schools in the country's arid and semi-arid areas, according to the company.
Vilcom said the project delivered laptops and smart screens to 2,312 schools across Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, Garissa, Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties.
Agnes Limo, CEO of Vilcom Networks, said the award recognised the work undertaken by the company's staff to complete the deployment.
“The award is confirming our project on the way we delivered it, because we delivered on time and 100%. It recognises the efforts,” Limo said.
Limo said Africa had made significant progress in developing its digital economy, although more investment was still needed.
“To give ourselves credit, we have done a lot. Take, for example, the submarine cables that are landing in Africa. It means we have connected ourselves to the world,” she said.
“If you look at our digital adoption as well, and take Kenya for example, we are usually among the first people to adopt technology.”
Limo said government investment in digital infrastructure, including in rural areas, was creating opportunities for the private sector.
“In Kenya, for example, the government has a plan to do 100,000 kilometres of fibre. And this enables even the private sector to access that infrastructure in order to serve all the people,” she said.
Limo also received an individual award at the ceremony. The award recognised her work to encourage girls and women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.
“I’d like to use this award to assure the women that they can actually venture into technology and succeed. They can as well take up careers and do business in technology, just as good as what men can do,” Limo said.
Akin Naphtal, CEO of InstinctWave Group, which organises the awards, said the awards were intended to recognise investment and commitment to Africa's digital economy.
“Technology is not a child's play. It involves a lot of investment, resilience and risk. So the award is used to honour, recognise and motivate all those involved for the level of investment they have done,” Naphtal said.
He said the awards also highlighted the role technology plays across the African economy.
The Africa Digital Economy Awards, now in their 11th year, recognise organisations and individuals contributing to Africa's digital transformation.
Previous editions have included awards for telecommunications, digital infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, fintech and e-government.
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