Africa-Press – Uganda. Absa Bank Uganda, in partnership with GirlCode has successfully hosted the 2025 GirlCode Hackathon, an inspiring initiative that brought together 50 women tech enthusiasts in Uganda.
This event formed part of a continent-wide hackathon spanning 30 hours, engaging over 700 women across 8 African cities, and aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and skills development within the fintech sector.
The hackathon offered participants a platform to address real-world challenges related to women’s financial inclusion.
Teams of developers, designers, and innovators worked under the guidance of 15 experienced mentors, crafting solutions such as mobile applications for financial literacy, innovative payment solutions tailored for women, digital tools to improve access to credit and fintech products designed for rural communities
“The 2025 GirlCode Hackathon has been an inspiring showcase of talent, creativity, and problem-solving,” said Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Director of Marketing and Customer Experience at Absa Bank Uganda. “These young women have shown that when women innovate, communities thrive and economies grow.”
As part of the reward, the winning teams received digital equipment such as laptops, tablets, and earphones. Additionally, the overall continental winner will receive sponsorship to attend the prestigious Women in Tech Global Summit.
Absa’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond the hackathon. The bank has also supported initiatives like the KH3-7 Hills Run, which has raised over shs 900 million in the last three years to support girl-child education in Uganda.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, financial inclusion in Uganda rose from 54% in 2006 to 81% in 2023, largely due to the expansion of mobile money and digital payments. However, significant disparities persist.
An IMF report from 2021 highlighted that only 32% of rural adults held formal financial accounts, compared to 42% in urban areas—with rural women facing the greatest barriers, often relying on informal financial systems.
These challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative technology solutions that address women’s financial needs—whether through mobile applications, digital lending, or inclusive payment platforms.
“This hackathon is particularly relevant in Uganda, where over 78% of the population is under 35—digitally engaged and ready to create tech-driven solutions,” said Patricia Nshemereirwe, Chief Operating Officer at Absa Bank Uganda. “By equipping women with skills, mentorship, and networks, we not only empower them but also drive broader financial inclusion and economic growth.”
Treasure Karagwa, team lead of the winning group Code Forces, shared her experience:
“This has been an incredible professional opportunity. I’ve gained valuable knowledge, built networks with fellow tech enthusiasts in Uganda, and shared ideas I’m excited to further develop. I’m grateful to Absa for this platform and look forward to future opportunities.”
The GirlCode Hackathon is part of Absa Bank Uganda’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in technology, advancing financial inclusion, and fostering innovation across Africa.
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