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The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, has launched a pan-African award for a new generation of early stage social innovators in Africa who are solving problems to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The award, titled Africa Innovates for the SDGs, is open to innovators from all African countries.

Akufo-Addo, who is also Co-chair of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG Advocacy Group, has a mandate to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030. His mandate includes working to promote the universal sustainable development agenda, raise awareness of the integrated nature of the SDGs, and foster the engagement of new stakeholders in the implementation of these goals.

The Africa Innovates for the SDGs award will put a spotlight on SDG innovators and raise awareness around their work. Five winners will be awarded the grand prize of $5,000, and have their work showcased internationally.

“Great African minds have been solving problems in their communities and this award offers yet another platform to unearth, give them the opportunity to scale their innovations for the benefit of the continent, and enhance prospects of achieving the SDGs,” the Ghanaian President said on Wednesday. “I call on the youth on the continent, the private sector, civil society organisations, community groups and all social innovators on the continent to actively participate in this timely initiative.”

The award is open for applications until September 7, 2018. Eligible applicants must be citizens of any African country or residents of any African country for a minimum of three consecutive years; and must be 18 years or older.

According to the statement by Reach for Change, a non-profit organisation and implementing partner for the award, solutions submitted must be unique, innovative, and seen to clearly contribute to any of the SDGs. Also, the solutions must have been tested or already have proven impact; and must have the potential to create meaningful impact on the society at large.

To apply, applicants can visit africainnovates4sdgs.com.

The 17 SDGs include: end poverty in all its forms; achieve food security and improved nutrition; ensure healthy lives and promoting well-being; inclusive and equitable quality education; achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls; availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation; access to affordable and sustainable energy; sustained and inclusive economic growth; build resilient infrastructure to promote industrialization and foster innovation; and reduce inequality within and among countries.

Others are: make cities and human settlements inclusive and safe; sustainable consumption and production patterns; action against climate change; sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources; protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems; promote peaceful and inclusive societies; and global partnership for sustainable development.