• OSC has reinforced its role as a catalyst for youth innovation, digital skills and economic transformation

A ground-breaking wildlife-protection technology has taken top honours at this year’s Orange Summer Challenge (OSC), with Duras AI emerging as the 2025 overall winner after beating 180 competing entrants in one of Botswana’s most competitive innovation seasons to date.

The finals, held at Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino, showcased high-potential tech projects tackling some of Botswana’s most pressing challenges, including human-elephant conflict, health access, digital identity security, and sustainable agriculture. Four teams walked away with cash prizes, business development support, and a pathway into Orange’s regional innovation ecosystem.

Duras AI secured the top prize of P50,000 with an AI-driven drone monitoring system designed to proactively manage human elephant conflict. The technology protects rural livelihoods, prevents loss of life, preserves one of the world’s largest elephant populations, and safeguards Botswana’s tourism economy.

After this win, Duras AI will now represent Botswana on the global stage, competing against 17 other innovators from Orange-affiliated countries for the overall Orange Social Venture Prize title.

Project Lead Nathan Tshamba said the victory is proof that young innovators can help reshape national development, “we are deeply grateful to the Orange Digital Centre and Orange Botswana for believing in young innovators. Opportunities like this give us the confidence and platform to transform ideas into real solutions that can benefit the country.”

Nkitsi claimed second place, winning P30,000 for its digital KYC platform that allows users to verify their identity once and reuse it across industries. The solution has strong appeal for financial services, telecoms, insurance and government onboarding systems seeking faster, more secure identity authentication.

In third place, Introspect received P20,000 for its AI-powered health platform that enhances diagnostics and access to care. The system has the potential to support overstretched health facilities and improve patient outcomes nationwide.

Fourth-placed Passage Greens earned P10,000 for its smart, soil-free tunnel farming solution. Using automated vertical garden technology, the platform produces high-quality crops with minimal labour and water, directly supporting Botswana’s food-security ambitions.

Orange Botswana CEO Néné Maïga praised the winners and underscored the economic importance of homegrown digital solutions. Innovations like these are not just impressive, they are economic engines. They strengthen critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, financial services and health, and they help young people participate meaningfully in Botswana’s growth.”

She emphasised Orange’s commitment to free digital education through the Orange Digital Centre, “community development through education is central to our mission. We offer world-class digital training at no cost because the country’s future depends on accessible technological skills.”

In closing, Maïga urged the participants to continue building, “your creativity, resilience and determination have been inspiring. We encourage you to refine and pilot your ideas and turn them into commercially viable solutions. Orange and the Orange Foundation remain committed to supporting you beyond today with mentorship, networks and opportunities that help your ideas grow.”

The 2025 OSC has reinforced its role as a catalyst for youth innovation, digital skills and economic transformation. With Duras AI leading a strong field of emerging innovators, this year’s competition signals a growing shift toward technology-driven problem-solving as a national development priority.

(C) TPA2025