What is the 2015 application deadline?
The round one application deadline is May 15, 2015. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the review of the applications by May 15, 2015.

What questions will be asked in the one application?
We are purposefully keeping the application short and simple. There will be approximately 14 questions, most of which request contact and demographic information. The two questions requiring longer and more thoughtful responses are: “What’s your innovative idea for positively impacting Africa and why is it needed?” and “Why are you or your team uniquely qualified to tackle this issue?”

Where do I submit my application?
Starting on February 15, 2015, you may access the online round one application by clicking http://cardatmandmobilexpo.com/pitch-application-form/
Please note that once your application is submitted, it may not be altered.

How does the Double ‘A’ Payment. Innovation Prize define “early stage” in the context of supporting “early stage ideas being piloted or prototyped by dynamic visionaries”?
We view the double ‘A’ Payment Innovation Prize as seed funding for high potential new ideas. Generally speaking, our spectrum of eligibility ranges from well-considered concepts (with no organization yet formed) to organizations that have existed for up to 3 years. Some exceptions may exist.

Is a new idea being incubated within a well-established organization eligible for the double ‘A’ Payment Innovation Prize?
Yes, if the new idea is intended to become a stand-alone organizational entity within 1-2 years. A new program within a well-established organization that is not intended to become a stand-alone organizational entity is ineligible.

Where and when will the first N250, 000 grants be distributed to awardees?
25th June 2015 at the CARDEXPO AFRICA 2015 dinner holding at Eko Hotel & Suite Victoria Island, Lagos.

Are there restrictions on the use of the funds awarded with the double ‘A’ Payment Innovation Prize?
The N250, 000 payment innovation prize is awarded as unrestricted general operating support to awardees’ nonprofit organizations or fiscal sponsors.

Can you provide more information about the in-person convenings for Prize recipients?
Intermarc Consulting (the hosts of CARDEXPO AFRICA) organizes these convenings per year for the 2015 class of Prize recipients for the three-year duration of the Prize. These convenings will provide an opportunity for Prize recipients to bond with and learn from one another, as well as to network with and learn from outside community and thought leaders in the social impact space. More details will be provided to Prize recipients.