A team of students from the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda, led by Kamuskay Kamuskay, recently participated in the Social Entrepreneurship Idea Hackathon. The hackathon, in partnership with Dell Technologies, Logitech, and Carbon Group, aimed to encourage and develop innovative solutions to address social and environmental challenges while creating economic value.
Out of 35 plus teams, Kamuskay’s team made it to the top 7 positions. The team’s presentation focused on the dire situation in Makoko, Nigeria, and Kigali, Rwanda, where a significant portion of the water sources were contaminated with fecal matter, and many people lacked access to improved sanitation facilities.
Their solution was a portable, sustainable, and detachable water filtration system that uses renewable energy to filter flood and rainwater into clean and drinkable water. The team’s research showed that over 90% of local NGOs and the population expressed a strong interest in their solution. They plan to target governments and NGOs as their primary customers, and their prototype contains recyclable materials.
Participating in the hackathon was a fantastic experience for Kamuskay and his team. They gained valuable experience and skills, and had the opportunity to network with other passionate individuals who share their desire to create change. Kamuskay expressed his pride in being part of such a fantastic team and his excitement about the impact their solution can make on the lives of people in Makoko and Kigali
The team’s success in the hackathon highlights the potential of social entrepreneurship to address some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing communities around the world. By developing innovative solutions that create economic value, social entrepreneurs like Kamuskay and his team are demonstrating that business and social impact can go hand in hand
Their solution has a strong market fit and could have a significant positive impact on the lives of people in Makoko and Kigali. By working with local stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation and scalability, Kamuskay’s team is setting an example for how social entrepreneurship can create sustainable change and economic value
