MTN Uganda is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 2023 MoMo Hackathon, a truly remarkable event that showcased groundbreaking technological innovations and creative solutions. This year's competition witnessed 12 talented teams competing head-to-head for a share of the grand prize of $10,000.
The MoMo Hackathon is a critical part of MTN's commitment to fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of mobile financial services. This initiative is closely aligned with MTN's Ambition 2025, a strategic vision focused on leveraging digital solutions to drive Africa's progress. At the heart of this strategy is the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, and the MoMo Hackathon serves as a testament to this commitment.
Steven Mutana, MTN MoMo's Chief Strategy & Stakeholder Management, represented the Chief Executive Officer of MTN MoMo, Richard Yego, at the event. He provided valuable insights and encouragement to the participants, emphasizing the importance of their role in society and the development of solutions that uplift communities.
According to Steven Mutana, "The MoMo Hackathon is not just a competition; it's a platform for talented individuals to showcase their creativity and make a positive impact. We believe in the transformative power of technology and the ability of innovation to drive financial inclusion. The solutions presented here reflect our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of people."
The competition was fierce, with teams presenting innovative solutions that demonstrated the potential to reshape the mobile financial technology sector. Three teams stood out from the rest and secured the top positions:
1. Kabokisi - Kabokisi emerged as the champion of the Hackathon, setting out on a journey to revolutionize traditional and inefficient savings methods. Their innovative platform acts as a digital savings wallet, offering a comprehensive set of features, including setting savings goals, fundraising, auctions, and more.
2. EchoKash - In second place, EchoKash introduced an Artificial Intelligence- based solution that facilitates voice-based transactions, including buying airtime, balance inquiries, and generating mini statements.
3. SharePay - Securing the third position, SharePay presented an innovative solution that simplifies the management of shared expenses. It offers a convenient and secure way for groups of people to split bills and payments fairly, eliminating the hassles that often accompany such transactions.
Richard Zulu, the Co-Founder and Team Principal at Outbox Uganda, was also present at the event. He shared insights on the importance of consistency in building entrepreneurship and urged all participants to remain open-minded about the next steps they would take.
Other remarkable pitching teams, included YoBus, Use Now Pay Later, Food Market App, Transact Unity, MugoCare, DepoPay, and DAAFLOW, showcased a diverse array of innovative ideas that highlighted the potential for positive change in the mobile financial technology sector.
The top three teams received cash prizes as follows: Kabokisi ($5,000), EchoKash ($3,000), and SharePay ($2,000).
The 2023 MoMo Hackathon was not only about competition but also the opportunity for participants to connect with a vibrant community of developers across Africa and network with seasoned experts to support their career journey.
