Michael Mallya, Chief Operating Officer for Serengeti Bytes speaks to the media during the Tanzania Digital Awards 2021 launch event in Dar es Salaam
Kennedy Mmari, Chief Executive for Serengeti Bytes address the media during the event to launch the Tanzania Digital Awards in Dar es Salaam.
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Thursday 7th October 2021
Tanzania Digital Awards 2021 season has been launched on Thursday 7th October 2021 in Dar es Salaam. The awards scheme aims at promoting accountability, creativity, and innovation in the digital space in Tanzania.
The first season of the Tanzania Digital Awards 2020 received a desirable impression from stakeholders and the public. More than 50,000 nominations were received while 150,000 votes were casted from the general public, resulting in 50 winners. In its first season, TDA received the impression of more than 36,000,000 online and on traditional media in the country and across the region.
Public institutions, corporates, non-governmental organizations, and individuals were nominated and voted in 10 categories. The main categories contested last year were Digital Governance, Digital Diplomacy, Digital Marketing, Digital Entertainment, Digital Media, Digital Innovation, Digital Communication, Digital Advocacy, the People's Choice Award, and the Honorary Award.
In response to the feedback from stakeholders and members of the public, this year TDA has expanded the number of main categories to 12 and subcategories to 52. Main categories this year include Digital Innovation, Digital Banking, Digital and Telecommunication, Digital Communication, Digital Entertainment, Digital Marketing and Business, Digital Media, Digital Governance, Digital Advocacy, Digital Diplomacy, People’s Choice Award, and Honorary Award.
The launching of the 2021 season went hand in hand with the launch of the nomination process set to run from October 7th to November 1st, 2021. The nomination process will be carried out through the digital nomination form available on the TDA website. Members of the public are allowed to nominate potential nominees in all categories and subcategories. Potential nominees can also self-nominate in categories they deem fit.
Speaking at the launch event in Dar es Salaam, Michael Mallya, Chief Operating Officer for Serengeti Bytes – the organizers of the award scheme said they are expecting a more competitive and exciting season this year.
“After a successful launch last year, we are expecting a more competitive and exciting season this year because most people and stakeholders are aware of the value the initiative adds to Tanzania’s digital ecosystem. We are expecting to receive a larger number of nominees and when the voting opens, we are confident that people will vote with enthusiasm to see digital changemakers emerge winners in their respective sectors,” said Mr. Mallya.
Mallya described the overall plan for the Tanzania Digital Awards 2021. He said that after the nomination process is closed on November 1st, the technical committee which is responsible for evaluation will shortlist nominees per each subcategory and the names will be posted on the website for voting which is set to commence on November 4th to November 25th. After the conclusion of the voting process, the technical committee will evaluate votes and approve winners ready for the award ceremony which is set for December 10th, 2021.
“Last year things didn’t go as we had planned because of the interruption by the coronavirus pandemic but this year we are expecting to convene key stakeholders and winners of Tanzania Digital Awards to celebrate digital milestones in the country. We will keep updating the public on all the processes and preparations until winners are announced,” said Michael.
The Tanzania Digital Awards 2021 is themed ‘Digital For Development’ – the theme aims at encouraging innovation, creativity, and accountability for Tanzania's socio-economic development.
Members of the public and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Tanzania Digital Awards website at www.digitalawards.co.tz for more information on categories, nominations, voting, and partnerships. In case of the need for additional information, the TDA organizers can be reached via email at hello@serengetibytes.com or via phone at +255 737 957 082.
Established on January 16th, 2020, the Tanzania Digital Awards extend recognition to individuals and organizations who make effective use of digital platforms to creatively and innovatively inspire actions, bring change and foster lasting impact across and beyond the online community.
The Tanzania Digital Awards are brought to you by Serengeti Bytes, a Creative Public Relations, Strategic Communications, and Digital Marketing Agency.
