Progress and Innovation Shine on Day 4 of the 2023 Women in FinTech Hackathon

The momentum of transformation and innovation continues to build as Day 4 of the 2023 Women in FinTech Hackathon unfolds. Participants are seizing the opportunity to harness the power of Financial Technology for community impact with unwavering commitment and determination.

The day commenced with a comprehensive exploration of Open Source Software and Mojaloop Security, led by Paul Baker, the Principle Product Manager of INFITX and an esteemed member of the Mojaloop Community. This deep dive into the foundations of secure digital finance set the tone for the day’s dynamic activities.

Taking centre stage, the teams showcased their exceptional progress by unveiling their solutions and prototype designs. Through vivid examples, they illuminated the customer journey and provided insights into the functionality of their envisioned solutions.

“The calibre of solutions and prototype designs presented clearly demonstrates the remarkable progress achieved by all participating teams. Each team is diligently working towards delivering a functional minimum viable product (MVP) by Thursday, August 17th,” noted Charlotte Neeza, the HiPipo FinTech Events Manager.

As the Hackathon gathers pace, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and a sense of purpose. Innovators are acutely aware of the mission-critical nature of their journey, aligning their efforts to ensure that their MVPs are ready and primed for the final assessment.

Beyond the presentation of solutions, the day also provided a rich platform for participants to engage with seasoned mentors who shared invaluable insights on Financial Discipline, Investment, and Product Management.

Prossy Namubiru, the Youth Supervisor, Retail & Microfinance Division at Centenary Bank, underscored the significance of Financial Discipline. She emphasized that disciplined spending and saving are essential to achieving monetary goals, making it a fundamental skill for effective financial management.

“Discipline is the cornerstone of sound financial management. It’s the skill that underpins acquisition and accumulation. It empowers you to allocate resources where needed and curbs impulsive spending. Financial discipline ensures that regardless of your income, you achieve financial equilibrium,” Namubiru explained.

Namubiru further highlighted Centenary Bank’s commitment to empowering youth through youth-friendly accounts, informative financial literacy sessions, and accessible youth loans.

Meanwhile, Mercy Angela Nantongo, a seasoned product manager and emerging media technologist, led participants on a captivating journey into the realm of product management. She illuminated the role of a product manager as the advocate for both product owners and customers, ensuring the delivery of maximum value.

“A product manager is akin to a child’s parent. This role distinguishes itself from other contributors in the product’s journey, much like how a parent guides a child’s growth,” Nantongo elaborated.

She highlighted the product manager’s role in identifying and addressing product-related issues and sharing them within the product ecosystem for resolution. Nantongo also emphasized that while customer support focuses on post-sales interactions, product management centres around pre-sales activities.

Traits of successful product managers, she revealed, encompass empathy, optimism, analytical thinking, strategic planning, and results-driven approaches.

The 2023 Women in FinTech Hackathon’s Day 4 witnessed the fusion of collaboration, innovation, and expertise. As it continues its remarkable journey, this Hackathon remains a cornerstone of the broader Women in Fintech initiative, standing as a testament to empowerment, innovation, and transformation.

With the Women in FinTech Summit on August 18th, 2023, poised to celebrate the finest talents and ideas. Winners will not only share a collective prize fund of USD 10,000 but also qualify for the Women in FinTech Incubator program from September to December 2023.