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.
The diversity of the finalists highlighted the potential for technology to address challenges across multiple sectors while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic participation.
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. The diversity of the finalists highlighted the potential for technology to address challenges across multiple sectors while 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.
