The first edition of the Intego awards, which recognizes excellence amongst ict companies, will be held in October.

"RITA wants to use the Intego Awards to promote ICT private sector innovation, entrepreneurship, and production of exportable products," Emmanuel Hategeka, chairman of the Board of the Rwanda Information Technology Agency (RITA), explained during the official presentation of the event.

"It is also important to note that one of the best ways to encourage excellence and innovation is to recognize every single step that is taken in the right direction," added RITA's director Nkubito Bakuramutsa.

He also pointed out that the choice will not be easy, because there are firms out there that have achieved tremendous innovation. "I know for instance two companies that can create software from scratch," Mr. Bakuramutsa said.

Thirteen awards are up for grabs, divided in five award categories: Export potential, FDI and BPO; Innovation and excellence by the ICT private sector; Usefulness to society and economy (best E-solutions per sector); Usage of ICT in the public sector; and Outstanding individuals (ICT Personality of the year).

Eligible firms should have developed outstanding homegrown technology and shown exemplary growth and performance over the last 7 years. Voting will be done by the public, out of a shortlist composed by RITA. People can support their favorite company either through the RITA website or by SMS.

The award ceremony will take place on October 24.