Mobi Rides wins Orange Social Venture 2026 prize
staff writer | Wednesday October 21, 2026 10:53
The venture, represented by Maphanyane Modisa, took first place ahead of WasteWorx, represented by Phenyo Tsheko, which received P30,000, whilst 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 whilst 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 during the award ceremony last Friday, 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.
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.
The diversity of the finalists highlighted the potential for technology to address challenges across multiple sectors whilst creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic participation. For Botswana, where economic diversification and youth employment remain important development priorities, initiatives supporting innovation can help emerging businesses develop solutions that respond to local needs.
The Orange Social Venture Prize forms part of Orange Botswana’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation, with the company positioning technology, connectivity, and access to opportunities as important enablers of social and economic progress.
By recognising ventures at different stages of development, the programme also draws attention to the broader ecosystem required to turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, including mentorship, partnerships, investment, and access to markets.
The 2026 awards underscore the role that locally developed digital solutions can play in addressing practical challenges and contributing to Botswana’s evolving innovation landscape.