Ugandan Wins Global Mobile Communications Award

Ugandan Wins Global Mobile Communications Award

Mr Alex Nyika, a Ugandan software developer based in Kenya, on Monday scooped the top prize at one of Europe’s most prestigious mobile communication innovation awards.

Mr Nyika, the chief executive Xrystalgenius , a Nairobi-based mobile startup, won the Base of the Pyramid award at the 2010 Mobile Monday Peer Awards that took place in Helsinki, Finland. Five finalists including United States-based Super Technologies, which emerged runner up in the category competed for the award.

The award recognises young and outstanding mobile companies that are making a difference in mobile health, education, payments, employment trade and entertainment. Software developers from 37 countries across the world participated in the awards.

Mr Nyika, 26, was recognised for developing iCheki, a mobile phone software solution designed to help users of public transport in Kenya to track taxis coming their way. iCheki is a Swahili-English (Sheng) word for “I see”. In an interview, Mr Nyika who represented Kenya, said the awards had opened doors for his products and company. “It has exposed me to a bigger market, given me a chance to pitch my idea and confidence to create more products,” he told Daily Monitor on the sidelines of the awards ceremony. Via: Daily Monitor