USAID has a long and rich tradition of transforming development through innovation. In an effort to celebrate USAID missions, bureaus, offices and partners that are embracing cutting-edge technologies and advanced data analysis to accelerate impact, USAID’s Global Development Lab sponsored the first-ever Digital Development Awards (Digis). As part of the Catalyst Awards, the Digis and Innovation to Action Awards are an important part of a broader culture of innovation at USAID that seeks to catalyze the next generation of breakthrough innovations and advance our mission of reducing poverty and strengthening democratic governance. The Digis recognize USAID projects and activities that embrace best practices in the application of digital technologies and data-driven approaches to achieve their development objectives.

Congratulations to the 2017 Digital Development Award Winners:

• USAID/Philippines: Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+Wiser)
• USAID/Ethiopia and Feed the Future: Digital Integration to Amplify Agricultural Extension
• USAID/West Africa: Sanitation Service Delivery/Clean Team Mobile Money Transition
• USAID/Ghana: Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement Project (ADVANCE II)
• USAID/Uganda: Feed the Future Uganda Commodity Production and Marketing Activity

The Digis received applications from 125 USAID projects and activities from around the world, demonstrating their use of innovative technology to address urgent development problems. All USAID and implementing partner staff working on a USAID-funded project, activity, or program were eligible to apply, regardless of the size, region, or portfolio of the activity. Submissions were evaluated through the lens of the Principles for Digital Development and across the following categories: Integration, Adaptation, Analysis and Facilitation.

Learn more about the digital development awards and each of the winning projects.