By Mark Kawalya
MTN MoMo has unveiled the third edition of their MoMo API Group Hackathon, an initiative that unites web developers and entrepreneurs from various parts of Africa. The goal of the event is to leverage technology and creativity to accelerate financial inclusion and boost the digitization of payments across the continent.
Under the theme “Innovative Financial and Transactional Applications,” the MoMo API Group Hackathon calls upon developers and entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge mobile applications using the MTN Mobile Money APIs. These apps will harness the capabilities of V2.1 (Notification, KYC, Auth.) and V2.2 (Channel as a Service) to cover use cases beyond payments, nurturing a comprehensive and inclusive digital financial ecosystem.
The hackathon will run in 12 countries, including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Rwanda, eSwatini, Congo Brazzaville, Guinea Conakry, Zambia, Benin, Liberia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Nigeria. Each country-specific event will bring together tech and entrepreneurial talent.
Mark Kivumbi, Senior Manager of Product Development and Innovations at MTN MoMo, said, “We believe that by collaborating with the brightest minds in the tech community, we can shape the future of mobile financial services and create a platform that fosters cashless and digital economies, making financial services more accessible and inclusive.”
The hackathon timeline includes an informative session allowing developers to engage with incubators and innovation hubs. There was a clarification session on August 29th for the top 12 selected teams, and the judging event is scheduled for September 22nd, when the winners will be announced. Prizes totaling nearly $10,000 are at stake, with the top three winners receiving USD 5,000, USD 3,000, and USD 2,000, respectively. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to join a thriving developer community spread out in Africa and connect with seasoned experts to advance their careers.
MTN Uganda’s theme, “Together we are unstoppable,” resonates with the hackathon’s collaborative spirit, emphasizing the collective strength of innovation and determination. This event serves as a testament to MTN’s dedication to shaping the digital finance landscape in Uganda and across Africa, empowering millions with transformative financial services.
