Facebook launched its Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa, intended to reward developers and entrepreneurs using the internet to improve the standard of education and economic health in their communities.

The social networking giant will present an award of $150,000 to the app, website or service judged to be the best in two categories: learning/education and economic empowerment. Other prizes, including packages of tools and services from Facebook, will be available.

Facebook has increasingly been looking to bring developers and other partners to Internet.org, both as a way of increasing its appeal to consumers and to address criticism that it is creating a “walled garden” of content.

The company has already held an Internet.org Innovation Challenge in India, which was intended to “recognise people making the internet more relevant for women, students, farmers and migrant workers”.

Entries are open until 1 May 2016, with winners to be announced in August/September.