Mobi Rides has won the 2026 Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP), earning P50,000 for its technology-driven solution connecting vehicle owners with people seeking to rent cars.
The venture, represented by Maphanyane Modisa, took first place ahead of WasteWorx,
represented by Phenyo Tsheko, which received P30,000, while KraalSense, represented by Kago
Dintwe, secured third place and P20,000.
Mobi Rides operates a peer-to-peer car rental platform that facilitates vehicle rentals through
verified bookings, secure payments and integrated mobility services. WasteWorx uses
technology to encourage recycling by rewarding households for recyclable waste while helping
businesses monitor their environmental impact. KraalSense applies artificial intelligence to
agriculture, providing farmers with real-time data and tools to manage livestock, crops and farm
operations.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Orange Botswana Acting Chief Executive Officer,
Gobe Mbayi, said the programme reflected the importance of supporting young innovators
whose ideas could deliver practical solutions to challenges facing communities.
“Through the Orange Social Venture Prize, we are recognising the people who are using
technology to respond to real challenges in our society. Innovation is not only about developing
new ideas; it is about turning those ideas into solutions that improve lives, create opportunities
and contribute to Botswana’s development,” said Mbayi.
He said initiatives that support young entrepreneurs were important in strengthening the
country’s innovation ecosystem and encouraging the development of technology-led enterprises.
Present at the awards ceremony was Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo,
who commended Orange Botswana for investing in youth development and empowerment,
saying such initiatives would play a significant role in nurturing innovative leaders and
contributing to the country’s development.
Chombo also congratulated the young innovators who participated in the programme,
emphasising that all participants were winners and that their respective projects had the potential
to make a significant difference in Botswana.
The Orange Social Venture Prize recognises ventures that use digital technology to address
social and environmental challenges. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between promising
ideas and practical solutions by giving innovators recognition, visibility and an opportunity to
advance their work.
The 2026 finalists represented a range of sectors, including agriculture, artificial intelligence,
clean energy, waste management, financial services and entrepreneurship development.
Among them were Uhuru AI, an African-focused artificial intelligence platform; Bolema
Agritech, which provides soil-testing technology to support farming decisions; Kitsiso, an AI-
powered livestock health platform; and PAYGO Gas Botswana, which uses digital refill kiosks
and mobile payments to improve access to cooking gas.
Other finalists included Confidence Lab BW, which connects young entrepreneurs with coaching
and mentorship; Pulastock, which uses blockchain technology to help farmers access capital
through verified cattle assets; and AirtimeSure LifeCover, a platform combining microinsurance
and savings through everyday airtime purchases.
