What is MTN Hackathon 2023?

MTN Uganda, a prominent player in the telecommunications sector, has announced the exciting launch of MTN Hackathon 2023. This initiative is an invitation to developers from various markets to participate in a creative venture aimed at crafting innovative mobile applications that harness the potential of MTN Mobile Money APIs tailored for their specific markets.

Also Read: MTN Changes Logo Globally

Who Organized MTN Hackathon?

Organized by MTN Group Fintech, this hackathon marks the third of its kind. It is set to take place across 14 countries, including Uganda, Ghana, Benin, Zambia, South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Cameroon, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Nigeria, South Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, and Congo B.

What is expected from the participants of the MTN Hackathon?

Developers entering this hackathon will vie to design and develop solutions that better the conventional realm of payment processing. Their creations are expected to contain additional features and functionalities that actively promote financial inclusion and literacy within the markets they serve.

Serigne Dioum, MTN Group Chief Fintech Officer, articulates the organization’s commitment to promoting financial and digital inclusion across the continent. He states, “MTN is dedicated to advancing financial and digital inclusion across the continent as part of our strategy to build a pan-African Fintech platform, driving the digital economy and promoting social and economic growth in Africa.”

Unleashing Africa’s Developer Potential

At the core of this endeavor lies MTN’s aspiration to tap into the exceptional talent and creativity of Africa’s developer community. The MTN Hackathon 2023 is shall be a channel through which these developers can leverage the MoMo Platform, thereby creating new growth opportunities. The company is confident that collaborating with Africa’s skilled individuals will broaden the spectrum of service offerings available on MoMo.

Key Insights into the Hackathon

Here are some crucial details about the MTN Hackathon 2023:

• Duration: The challenge will run from July 31, 2023, to October 9, 2023.
• Submission Period: Developers will have a span of five weeks to submit their groundbreaking ideas for financial and transactional applications that seamlessly integrate MTN Mobile Money APIs.
• Scope of Applications: The mobile applications should cater to consumers, merchants, or businesses, providing pragmatic and valuable solutions. They should be deployable within the developers’ respective markets. These solutions should as well encompass use cases that go beyond simple payment processing. Such would leverage the capabilities of MTN MoMo APIs.
• Selection Process: MTN from each participating country will carefully choose the top 12 applicants to progress to the prototyping phase.
• Prototype Development: The selected participants must transform their ideas into working prototypes. Subsequently, they will present a live demo of their application to a panel of adjudicators.
• Information Hub: Developers interested in participating can find additional information about the Momo Hackathon 2023.
• Rewards: Finalists stand a chance to win a share of the impressive USD 10,000 prize money. It shall be earmarked for their respective countries.

Why this competition has been created

MTN Group is enthusiastic about the transformative solutions that ingenious developers may create through this hackathon. The company envisions these innovations as driving forces behind increased financial inclusion. That includes empowerment for individuals and businesses across the African continent. With its steadfast commitment to technological advancement and socioeconomic growth, MTN Group is setting a vibrant trajectory for the future of fintech in Africa.

The Interesting History Of MTN Uganda

In the realm of African telecommunications, MTN Uganda has emerged as a leading force, with a rich history of innovation, expansion, and empowerment. Established in 1994, MTN Uganda has evolved into a subsidiary of MTN Group, a multinational telecommunications giant connecting around 232 million individuals across 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East. With its inception on October 21, 1998, MTN Uganda swiftly launched commercial services, merely six months after acquiring the necessary license—a testament to its commitment to progress.

The MTN Story: From M-Cell to Multinational Powerhouse

Originally known as M-Cell, MTN, or Mobile Telecommunications Network, has its roots in South Africa. This multinational mobile telecommunications company now operates extensively in African, European, and Asian nations. Straight from Johannesburg, MTN’s growth stands on strategic expansion and technological prowess.

At the helm of MTN Uganda stands Wim Vanhelleputte, the Chief Executive Officer. His tenure has witnessed MTN’s ascent to the pinnacle of the competitive telecoms landscape in Uganda, further solidifying the brand’s position.

When did MTN Uganda Introduce Mobile Money?

In 2009, MTN Uganda introduced a revolutionary product—Mobile Money. This mobile telephone-based banking service has not only transformed the way financial transactions occur but has also played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure.

Statistics Of MTN Uganda

As of March 31, 2014, MTN Uganda had garnered an impressive 9.5 million subscribers within the country. In response to evolving regulations, MTN Uganda took proactive measures in November 2015 by disconnecting 3.7 million of its 11.5 million customers to comply with Uganda Communications Commission’s new SIM card registration requirements.

In a bid to amplify its network reach and elevate its operational capabilities, MTN Uganda procured a substantial USD 114 million (UGX: 385.8 billion) in May 2016. This funding facilitated network expansion and the construction of a state-of-the-art headquarters building on Jinja Road in Kampala. The syndicated loan received an extension by a consortium of four Ugandan banks: Stanbic Bank Uganda, Standard Chartered Uganda, Citibank Uganda, and Barclays Bank of Uganda.

Is it possible to save money using MTN?

MTN Uganda’s commitment to innovation extends to partnerships as well. In collaboration with the Commercial Bank of Africa (Uganda), MTN launched MoKash in August 2016. This novel offering allows customers to save money and access microloan products conveniently using their cell phones. Available to both personal accounts and small-to-medium enterprises, MoKash further exemplifies MTN’s pursuit of inclusive financial solutions.

Which is the biggest telecom company in Uganda?

By June 30, 2017, MTN Uganda emerged as the largest telecom company in the nation, boasting an impressive 11.2 million subscribers and commanding a significant 55 percent market share.

Bridging Entertainment and Technology

In August 2018, MTN Uganda expanded its horizons by introducing a collaborative music streaming service with Tidal. The music platform is co-owned by American mogul Jay-Z. This joint venture provided subscribers access to streaming audio and video content at a daily fee. This enriched the cultural tapestry with diverse musical offerings.

Where are the headquarters of MTN Uganda?

The headquarters of MTN Uganda is at Nyonyi Gardens, 4 Wampewo Avenue, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala. Located within the administrative heart of the city, these headquarters serve as a symbolic representation of MTN’s commitment to connectivity and progress.

In conclusion, MTN Uganda’s journey covers not just technological advancements, but a commitment to societal transformation. From pioneering mobile financial services to fostering innovation and inclusivity, MTN Uganda has etched its name as a king in the telecommunications landscape. Its continuous pursuit of excellence is a testament to the transformative power of telecommunications in shaping Africa’s future.