Imagine a future where financial solutions aren’t just designed for women, but by women—where everyday challenges like cross-border trade barriers or digital payment gaps are tackled with empathy and ingenuity. That vision is taking shape in Zambia and Malawi, where the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and HiPipo have launched the inaugural Women in FinTech Hackathon, a bold initiative to empower women innovators and bridge the gender gap in digital financial services (DFS).
Why this matters
At the heart of this project is a simple yet powerful truth: women entrepreneurs don’t just solve problems—they create solutions that resonate deeply with communities.
CBC CEO Teddy Soobramanien put it bluntly: “When women are empowered, the ripple effect is felt across the region. They’re more likely to design solutions that address everyday challenges, from farmers needing seamless cross-border payments to small traders navigating digital banking.”
For HiPipo CEO Innocent Kawooya, this isn’t just theory—it’s a proven model. Over six years, HiPipo’s #IncludeEveryone program has trained over 500 women in Uganda, transforming them into FinTech leaders who’ve built corporations and pioneered innovations.
“Leaders are made, not born,” Kawooya emphasized. “This Hackathon is our chance to scale that success across the COMESA region, where over 600 million people await solutions tailored to their needs.”
The Women in Fintech hackathon
Seventeen women-led teams—11 from Zambia and 6 from Malawi—are diving into a week-long sprint to reimagine financial inclusion. Armed with tools like Mojaloop Open-Source Software and mentorship from global experts, participants will tackle real-world challenges, from integrating mobile money platforms to designing cross-border payment systems.
What’s on the table?
- Hands-on training: Teams will master tools like the Level One Project, a framework for interoperable digital payments.
- Mentorship: Industry leaders will guide participants in refining ideas, scaling solutions, and navigating regulatory landscapes.
- Financial support: Winning teams will receive funding to turn prototypes into reality.
As Charlotte Neeza, HiPipo’s FinTech Events Manager, noted: “This isn’t just about coding or tech—it’s about building solutions that uplift entire communities. Every participant leaves with the tools to become a changemaker.”
Africa’s path to self-reliance
Soobramanien framed the Hackathon as part of a broader mission: Africa’s shift toward self-reliance. With Western markets facing economic headwinds, he urged innovators to focus inward. “Africa has over 1.2 billion people. We must stop relying on external solutions and build our own. Women are at the forefront of this revolution.”
Kawooya echoed this, highlighting how empowering women in FinTech creates inclusive economies. “When women lead, they design systems that serve everyone—not just a privileged few. That’s how we build resilience.”
From Uganda to the COMESA region
HiPipo’s journey began in Uganda, where the Women in FinTech initiative transformed a male-dominated sector. Today, women hold C-suite roles in major FinTech firms, and startups have grown into household names. Now, the CBC partnership aims to replicate this across 21 COMESA countries, leveraging the region’s vast market to drive pan-African innovation.
The Zambia/Malawi Hackathon isn’t just a competition—it’s a declaration of intent. As Kawooya said, “The leaders we need are being made right here, right now.”
 and HiPipo have launched the inaugural Women in FinTech Hackathon.){kind=link}