Government, Absa launch separate Hackathons
As the 4th industrial revolution drive heighten, both private and public sector are embracing digital service transformation. The year 2020 opens with two events for computer programmers to design software solutions to assist the economy in digital service rollout in both the private and public sectors in light of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
This week government announced a mobile GovAppHackathon Challenge under the country’s digital implementation strategy – SmartBots, which is expected to transform the country’s public sector.“The hackathon will assist Botswana to be a world leader in the development of digital services for the public sector as it enables innovative spaces for co- creation,” said Brand and Communications Manager at Botswana Innovation Hub, Kemiso Ben.
According to Ben, the mobile App should allow citizens to access government services online from their mobile phones. “This is in line with the sustainable development goals initiative to leave no one behind during the digital transformation,” said Ben. On the other hand, Absa Bank Botswana hosted its inaugural online hackathon to promote the development of fintechs and entrepreneurship. The event invited local programmers to develop and focus on the use of innovative technology to identify and solve operational challenges faced by the bank’s SME clients. “As a digitally led bank, we believe that there is a great need to support youth entrepreneurship, especially the development of FinTechs.
“We are continuously looking for innovative solutions to help our operations and through the Hackathon we are able to support youth entrepreneurship as well as find meaningful solutions for our customers,” said Keabetswe Pheko- Moshagane, Managing Director, Absa Bank Botswana Limited. Pheko- Moshagane said Absa Bank remains committed to driving innovation and seeking creative solutions for customers.