Lonestar Cell MTN, Mercy Corps Launch Liberia’s First Mobile Money Hackathon
Lonestar Cell MTN
.... “Liberia has a vibrant tech community, and this hackathon gives young people an opportunity to showcase their app developer skills and move Liberia forward with technology. We want Liberia to become a Smart City,” Manju Konneh, Lonestar Acting Manager for Product and Services said.
Liberia’s Leading Tech Company, Lonestar Cell MTN Mobile Financial Services, in partnership with Mercy Corps, is launching Liberia’s first-ever nationwide hackathon competition.
The Lonestar Cell MTN Mobile Money Hackathon (Momo Hackathon) encourages students from Liberia’s Universities to develop viable and original mobile applications using the Lonestar Cell MTN Open API platform.
The hackathon’s key objective is to solve societal problems in the areas of health, sanitation, agriculture, the economy, and transportation. Acting Manager for Product and Services, Manju Konneh, said that the MoMo hackathon aligns with the strategic intent of our Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s Progress.
“Liberia has a vibrant tech community, and this hackathon gives young people an opportunity to showcase their app developer skills and move Liberia forward with technology. We want Liberia to become a Smart City,” he said.
The PROSPECTS IV program implemented by Mercy Corps is Lonestar Cell MTN’s key partner on the Momo Hackathon.
“We help young Liberians build the confidence, skills, and opportunities to succeed as employees or entrepreneurs. Partnering on the MoMo Hackathon means we can help them thrive in a world that is moving closer to smart-tech solutions,” said Mercy Corps Acting Country Director Sophie Dresser.
Embedded within the MoMo Hackathon is Open API Training. The Open API Platform enables apps to interface with the Mobile Money platform and allows for the secure management, storage, and verification of customer data.
“We are excited to host this inaugural Open API training and Hackathon to empower, reward, and support budding programmers as they digitize everyday commerce using mobile money towards a cash-lite Liberia.,” said Kpetermeni Siakor, CEO of the Kwagei Group.
The training will take place at the Kwagei Group Headquarters located behind the Nigerian Embassy from February 13 -17, 2023. University students wishing to participate in the Lonestar Cell MTN Momo Hackathon should submit their proposals either through the Lonestar Cell MTN website link or through a link posted on the Lonestar Cell MTN Facebook page.
Once applicants click on the link, the requested information will be displayed. The application deadline is Friday, February 10, 2023.
“We are not just a telecommunication company. We are also a financial technology company. Our goal is youth development in technology and innovation,” said Christopher Ssali, Mobile Financial Services General Manager.
The three winners selected from the Momo Hackathon will receive nationwide recognition, cash prizes, and multiple Wifi devices.