Senegal-based internet and mobile data services operator Manobi pipped six other information and communications technology (ICT) organisations from around Africa to scoop the overall organisational accolade at the African ICT Achievers
Awards 2004 on Saturday night.
Mauritius Communications Minister Deelchand Jeeha was voted top African ICT achiever.
The theme of the awards was “African excellence”.
Manobi was also voted the most innovative company, while six other organisational awards went to entities drawn from 20 finalists.
The four-year-old company has developed a multi-channel service platform (MCSP), which is able to provide value-added services through any telecommunications infrastructure.
It seeks to provide cost-effective African-designed solutions that target rural areas in developing countries.
The MCSP supplies sectors including commerce, agriculture and fisheries with a range of innovative services, such as business assistance, supply chain management and safety services. Information can be delivered through voice, WAP, SMS, MMS and the internet.
With offices in Senegal and France, Manobi chief executive Daniel Annerose is in the process of setting up a South African office.
“Manobi wants to bring to South Africa its technology, its experience and its understanding of our customers and their needs,” he added.
Winners in other categories were: KwaDukuza Resource Centre (civil society award); e.com institute (top ICT workplace provider); the South African Post Office (most progressive ICT company); the Sechelles Ministry of Health (top government department); Mthombo IT Services (top ICT company); and Nambiti Technologies (top ICT SMME). – I-Net Bridge