The MTN MoMo API Hackathon 2023: Encouraging Innovation and Collaboration
The stage is set, the countdown has begun, and the excitement is palpable as the third edition of the MTN MoMo API Hackathon returns. This year’s theme, “The Hack is Back!” encourages participants to think bigger, think broader, and create mobile experiences that transcend the ordinary. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, MTN MoMo invites developers and entrepreneurs to harness their creative prowess and reimagine the possibilities of digital finance in Africa.
Introducing the MoMo Hackathon:
The MoMo Hackathon is an eight-week coding fest that challenges developers and entrepreneurs to rise to the occasion, conceptualize innovative solutions, and bring their visionary ideas to life by utilizing MTN MoMo’s APIs. Participants from various African countries will showcase their innovation, creativity, and technological skills while leveraging the MTN mobile money (MoMo) API platform.
Expanding Objectives for the Future:
At the core of the MoMo Hackathon lies the objective of fueling economic growth through tailored financial and digital solutions that cater to diverse consumer needs and businesses of all sizes. MTN MoMo’s dedication to building cashless and digital economies ensures financial services that are affordable, inclusive, comprehensible, and comprehensive. The hackathon stands as a testament to MTN MoMo’s commitment to bridging the financial services gap and transforming economies across the continent.
Reimagining Finance: Why MTN Organizes the Hackathon:
The MoMo Hackathon embodies MTN’s ethos of transcending barriers through collaboration. MTN MoMo recognizes the power of partnership, engaging stakeholders ranging from financial service providers to regulatory authorities, entrepreneurs, developers, and technology providers. This united front is dedicated to elevating economic and social well-being across Africa.
Crafting Mobile Solutions: How the Hackathon Works:
The journey to innovation begins with registration on the official portal – https://momo2023.hackerearth.com. Participants submit their ingenious ideas online, including an idea title, problem statement, approach, and an overview complete with a prototype mock image and business model. This comprehensive approach ensures that each entry is well-rounded, impactful, and aligned with the hackathon’s visionary spirit.
Unveiling New Capabilities: MoMo API Enhancements:
MTN MoMo’s relentless pursuit of excellence has resulted in enhanced MoMo API capabilities, including personalized SMS notifications, customer identity verification, customer consent and authentication using MoMo PINs, and customizable submenus within MoMo USSD and App channels.
Who Can Participate?
The MoMo Hackathon is open to all those who revel in coding and creativity. Entrepreneurs, companies, and developers across participating countries are invited to demonstrate their ingenuity, harnessing the potential of the MoMo API platform.
Key Dates and the Path Ahead:
- Online Registration and Idea Submission (August 17th – September 18th, 2023)
- Idea Evaluation (September 18th, 2023)
- Top 12 Selection Announcement (September 22nd, 2023)
- Top 12 Event at Outbox Hub (September 22nd, 2023)
- Prototype Phase (September 29th, 2023)
- Evaluation of Prototypes (October 16th, 2023)
- Judging Event and Winner Announcement (October 27th, 2023)
This timeline provides participants ample time for idea submission, evaluation, prototype development, and the final judging event.
Prizes: Encouraging Growth and Recognition:
Prizes for the top innovators include USD 5,000 for the first prize, USD 3,000 for the second prize, and USD 2,000 for the third prize. All participants gain access to a vibrant developer community spanning the African continent.
The Outbox Hub Partnership and How to Register:
MTN MoMo partners with the Outbox Hub for this journey. Developers and entrepreneurs can register on the official hackathon portal until September 18th, 2023, at 12:59 AM EAT.
Embracing MTN’s Ambition 2025:
The hackathon aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025, which aims to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress. It underscores the transformative power of technology and innovation in promoting financial inclusion and driving economic development.
Stay Informed and Join the Innovation:
For those eager to dive into the future of finance and innovation, registration and information can be found on the official hackathon portal. Join the MoMo Developer community to stay updated and be a part of this exciting journey of transformation.