In a bold move to bridge the gender gap in tech, Absa Bank Uganda teamed up with GirlCode to host the 2025 GirlCode Hackathon, empowering 50 aspiring female developers and designers in Uganda. This high-energy, 30-hour coding marathon was part of a pan-African extravaganza that rallied 700 women across eight cities, zeroing in on fintech innovations to supercharge financial inclusion.
Participants dove headfirst into real-world problems, forming teams guided by 15 seasoned mentors to prototype game-changing solutions. Highlights included mobile apps boosting financial literacy, women-centric payment gateways, AI-driven tools for credit access, and scalable fintech platforms tailored for rural users. The event wasn’t just about code – it was a launchpad for collaboration and skill-building in an industry ripe for disruption.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Absa Bank Uganda’s Director of Marketing and Customer Experience, hailed the event as a “vibrant showcase of talent and ingenuity.” She added, “These innovators prove that when women lead in tech, entire ecosystems flourish. Winners snag prizes, and the top team continent-wide earns a spot at the Women in Tech Global Summit. At Absa, uplifting women drives everything – from our KH3-7 Hills Run, which has funneled over UGX 900 million into girl-child education over three years, to pioneering digital finance.”
Uganda’s fintech scene is booming, with financial inclusion hitting 81% in 2023 – a leap from 54% in 2006, fueled by mobile money’s rise. Yet, challenges persist: An IMF report from 2021 reveals just 32% of rural adults have formal accounts versus 42% in urban areas, and women in remote regions often lean on informal networks due to access barriers. These inequities scream for targeted tech fixes, like seamless digital lending and inclusive payment apps.
With 78% of Ugandans under 35 and digitally savvy, the timing couldn’t be better. “This hackathon arms women with the tools, guidance, and connections to craft solutions that close these gaps,” said Patricia Nshemereirwe, Absa Bank Uganda’s Chief Operating Officer. “It’s fueling financial equity, economic momentum, and career breakthroughs for a new generation of tech trailblazers.”
The Uganda leg crowned Code Forces, led by Treasure Karagwa, as champions. Their squad walked away with laptops, tablets, and earphones – prizes designed to fuel ongoing projects. “This was a game-changer,” Karagwa shared. “I leveled up my skills, forged lasting networks, and sparked ideas I’m eager to build on. Huge thanks to Absa for opening these doors.”
