Development Diaries Ltd/GTE has announced the maiden edition of The Social Media Awards Africa (SMAA) – a premier continental initiative established to recognize and celebrate excellence, creativity and impact of social media.

The SMAA features 4 categories and 15 awards targeted at personalities, platforms, institutions and indigenous initiatives that have demonstrated far-reaching impact on human socio-economic development in digital and social media practice through various tools and platforms.

Nominations opened on October 1, 2014 and can be made at www.smaafrica.com until midnight on October 27, 2014.

The initiative was unveiled at a closed event on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 to a cross section of media professionals and social media influencers in Lagos, Nigeria.

Individuals, Organisations and brands are invited to participate in the nomination process in 4 categories distinct categories summarised below:

1. PERSONALITY BASED(Awards for individual achievements in social media):
   – Blogger of the Year
   – Social Media Personality of the Year
   – Social Media Hero

2. PLATFORM(Specific Social Platforms):
   – Facebook Page of the Year
   – Twitter Handle of the Year
   – Influencer of the Year (LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, Instagram)

3. INSTITUTIONAL(Best Use of Social Media by):
   – Government/Public Sector
   – Private Sector
   – Non-Profit
   – Start-up/MSME
   – Financial Institution

4. INDIGENOUS(Local Campaigns and Brands):
   – App of the Year
   – Hashtag of the Year
   – Brand of the Year
   – Best Rated Platform

Nominations close at Midnight on October 27, 2014 and Winners will be celebrated at the ‘Night of Virtual Wonders’ holding on December 6, 2014 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Each winner will take home a cash prize of $1,000 USD and SMAA Plaque. Other benefits such as: Social Media Training, Access to memberships and attendance of Social Media events, Publications on Social Media and Complimentary advertising on Social Media Africa Portal.

The Social Media Awards Africa is sponsored by Sterling Bank Plc. African Media Initiative (AMI), AIESEC Africa, West African NGO Network (WANGONET) and Beat FM are Partners.

To nominate, visit www.smaafrica.com.