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Smart Israel of Nigeria Wins 2026 Global Citizen Grand Prize

8/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Smart Israel of Nigeria won the 2026 Global Citizen Waislitz Grand Prize.
Diana Yousef, a U.S. founder, received the 2026 Disruptor Award.
Oghenekevwe William Emadago of Nigeria earned the 2026 People’s Choice Award.
Each winner receives a $100,000 prize, totaling $300,000 in award funding.
Award funding will help Smartel reach 5,000 households and Girlified target 10 million users by 2030.

History

Historical Context

After the UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda created a financing framework that highlighted a $1.3 trillion annual funding gap for Africa. Building on that framework, the 2026 Citizen Waislitz Grand Prize granted Smart Israel of Nigeria and innovators Diana Yousef and Oghenekevwe Emadago resources to expand digital connectivity for thousands of households.

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Story summary

Smart Israel of Nigeria won the 2026 Global Citizen Waislitz Grand Prize.
Diana Yousef, a U.S. founder, received the 2026 Disruptor Award.
Oghenekevwe William Emadago of Nigeria earned the 2026 People’s Choice Award.
Each winner receives a $100,000 prize, totaling $300,000 in award funding.
Award funding will help Smartel reach 5,000 households and Girlified target 10 million users by 2030.

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