Absa Bank Uganda has in partnership with GirlCode hosted the 2025 GirlCode Hackathon, an initiative aimed at empowering women in technology.
The event brought together 50 young women tech enthusiasts in Uganda as part of a 30-hour, continent-wide hackathon involving over 700 women across eight African cities as part of efforts to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and support skills development in the fintech sector.
Participants worked in teams, guided by 15 experienced mentors, to develop technology-based solutions to real-world challenges affecting women’s financial inclusion.
Projects ranged from mobile applications that promote financial literacy, to payment solutions designed specifically for women, digital tools for improving access to credit, and fintech products tailored for rural communities.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Director of Marketing and Customer Experience at Absa Bank Uganda, described the hackathon as an inspiring showcase of creativity and problem-solving.
She noted that the participants demonstrated the transformative impact of empowering women through technology.
“These young women have shown that when women innovate, communities thrive and economies grow,” she said.
Winning teams were awarded digital equipment including laptops, tablets, and earphones. The overall winner across all participating cities will be supported to attend the Women in Tech Global Summit.
Nangonzi emphasized that empowering women and girls is a core commitment for Absa, citing other initiatives such as the KH3-7 Hills Run, which has raised over shs900 million in the past three years to support girl-child education.
Uganda has seen a remarkable rise in financial inclusion, which reached 81% in 2023, up from 54% in 2006, largely due to mobile money and digital payment systems.
However, gaps remain, especially in rural areas. According to a 2021 IMF report, only 32% of rural adults held formal financial accounts, compared to 42% in urban areas. Women in rural communities face even greater challenges, often relying on informal financial systems.
These disparities highlight the need for innovative digital solutions that cater specifically to women’s financial needs. This includes mobile applications, digital lending services, and inclusive payment platforms that can help bridge the access gap.
Patricia Nshemereirwe, Chief Operating Officer at Absa Bank Uganda, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in a country where over 78% of the population is under the age of 35.
“By equipping women with the skills, mentorship, and networks to create technology-driven solutions, this hackathon not only empowers individuals but also contributes to broader financial inclusion and national economic growth.”
Treasure Karagwa, team lead of the winning group Code Forces, expressed her gratitude for the experience.
“This has been an incredible professional opportunity. I’ve gained valuable knowledge, connected with fellow innovators in Uganda, and shared ideas I’m excited to develop further. I’m grateful to Absa for this platform and look forward to future opportunities.”
The GirlCode Hackathon underscores Absa Bank Uganda’s ongoing dedication to supporting women in technology, advancing digital inclusion, and driving innovation across Africa.
