Africa Fintech Foundry’ hackathon’ aims to turn ideas into tech solutions

The Africa Fintech Foundry recently hosted a hackathon aimed at fostering collaboration between app developers and designers to create innovative solutions for real-life challenges. Leke Adekoya, Business Solutions Architect at the Africa Fintech Foundry, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the event. The hackathon, known as Accadon, focused on developing tech solutions for key industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, data analytics, and agritech. Accadon aims to address pressing issues within these sectors by leveraging available resources and talent to drive technology-driven solutions. Adekoya highlighted the significance of utilizing existing technologies, such as the Internet of Things, to tackle challenges in various industries. Through Accadon, developers had the opportunity to form teams and work collaboratively for 48 hours to innovate and create impactful solutions. Partnerships formed with industry leaders, such as Unilever and FX, allowed developers to work on problem statements defined by these companies. The collaboration extended beyond ideation, as the developers were provided with data and insights to develop tailored solutions. This approach differentiated Accadon from traditional hackathons, as it focused on addressing industry-specific challenges. The success of the hackathon last year ensured that Accadon would become an annual event, with plans for more iterations in different industries throughout the year. The long-term vision for Accadon and the Africa Fintech Foundry is to establish a platform that nurtures tech talent and fosters innovation across various sectors, including education, health, and energy. Adekoya emphasized the importance of government involvement and partnership with public agencies to support the implementation of tech solutions in critical sectors. By engaging with both the private and public sectors, the Africa Fintech Foundry aims to drive technology adoption and create tangible impacts in society. While acknowledging the existing innovative initiatives within the FinTech sector, Adekoya stressed the need for more specialized knowledge and information to enhance the quality of solutions. Providing access to industry-specific information and resources can empower developers to address complex challenges in sectors like insurance and aviation. Overall, the Africa Fintech Foundry's hackathon showcased the potential of collaborative innovation in driving technological advancements and solving real-world problems. With continued support from industry partners and government agencies, the Foundry aims to spearhead a new era of tech-driven solutions that benefit society at large.