MTN Uganda has concluded the 2023 MoMo Hackathon. Bigger than before, this year’s event uniquely showcased groundbreaking technological innovations and creative solutions. A total 12 teams went head-to-head in a pitched battle of ideas, all vying for a share of the grand prize of $10,000.
The event was not just 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.
Kabokisi, EchoKash, and SharePay were the standout winners of the Hackathon. Kabokisi secured the first-place position, taking home a substantial $5,000 prize. EchoKash came in second, earning $3,000, and SharePay clinched third place with a prize of $2,000.
The MTN MoMo Hackathon 2023 winners
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.
What makes Kabokisi unique is its integration with MTN MoMo as a payment method for deposits and withdrawals, along with the added convenience of voice commands.
In second place, EchoKash introduced an Artificial Intelligence-based solution that facilitates voice-based transactions, including buying airtime, balance inquiries, and generating mini statements. This technology is designed to cater to users with visual impairments and limited literacy, making it a groundbreaking step towards financial inclusivity.
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.
What they said
Stephen Mutana, the head of strategy at MTN MoMo Uganda, shared valuable insights with the participants, encouraging them to take accountability for their society and to develop solutions that uplift the community.
Richard Zulu, the Co-Founder and Team Principal at Outbox Uganda, emphasized 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
- YoBus: Presented a comprehensive bus management system that allows customers to book and pay for tickets using Mobile Money, along with additional functionalities.
- Use Now Pay Later: Envisioned a platform that connects clients directly through flexible payment options, such as part-payment for goods and services during financially tight times.
- Food Market App: Bridged the gap between farmers and their customers, enabling payments and exposure to larger markets.
- Transact Unity: Focused on easing group payments, particularly for SMEs, streamlining bulk payments to suppliers, contractors, and individuals via web and mobile apps.
- MugoCare: Introduced a medical system that stores health records, manages payments and invoices for hospital bills in one portal, enhancing healthcare management and digital patient records.
- DepoPay: A platform designed to allow individuals and organizations to deposit money for interest-free installment payments from known suppliers.
- DAAFLOW: A Digital Finance Assistant solution aimed at tracking and managing finances for micro and medium enterprises.
The MTN MoMo Hackathon also featured Agricultural Support Application and Nileemart Agrifoods E-market, showcasing a diverse array of innovative ideas that highlighted the potential for positive change in the mobile financial technology sector.
