The winners of the Global Innovation Week - a unique programme of intense networking and mentorship - will be announced tonight. Making All Voices Count's 10 finalists gathered this week from eight countries across the world to compete  for a £65,000 grant. 

Speaking at the opening of the week Patricia Nyaundi, Secretary to the Commission of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights addressed participants: "you have been selected by your fellow citizens and your peers as the best of the best. I urge you to take on the challenge that Nelson Mandela issued by rising to be the ordinary men and women who became the makers of history.”

On Day One and Day Two finalists experienced an intense programme of mentorship in the following areas: data visualisation, government engagement, technology, disability rights, gender & rural outreach, transparency & accountability and entrepreneurship. 

This was a rich process of learning and knowledge sharing. As contestant Kagiso Motsumi from South Africa explained: "it's a lot to learn in a short space of time, but ...already we have won just be being here and collecting all of this information." 

Yesterday, finalists put their knowledge to the test with a trip to Baba dogo. Here, local citizens and leaders met to discuss employment, access to education, disability rights and healthcare. The debate was intense and after observing this interaction, finalists returned to the iHub to discuss themes relating to the programme. As Innovation Director Daudi Were explained: 

Today, the Global Innovation Competition Jury will have their final chance to meet with our innovators and discuss their solutions. Tonight at the Global Innovation Gala, winners will make one final pitch of their idea before the winners are announced. This event will be live-streamed from 19.00 (EAT) on youtube.