Absa Group has revealed the winners of its 2024 Technology Hackathon, which ignited engagement and fueled innovation across its technology community.
The annual event, themed “10xImpact,” challenged participants to deliver solutions that could impact Absa’s operations tenfold. This year’s competition was held between September 11 and 12, with 36 teams battling it for 24 hours.
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A Platform for Digital Innovation
The Hackathon was designed to fuel innovation and address key business priorities through digital interventions. Absa colleagues from Africa and Europe participated, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to becoming a digitally-led enterprise.
“This year’s Hackathon underscores Absa’s commitment to being a digitally-led organisation. Participants developed innovative solutions that align with our business objectives and address the evolving needs of both the company and our customers,” said Johnson Idesoh, Group Chief Information and Technology Officer.
“We eagerly anticipate how these groundbreaking ideas will be integrated into our operations, improving customer experience and driving Absa forward.”
Uniting Talent Across Continents
The Hackathon brought together 260 colleagues from across Absa’s operations, showcasing collaboration and talent from regions as diverse as South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Seychelles, Ghana, and Prague. The event created a platform for participants to exchange ideas and create digital solutions with the potential to address some of the company’s most critical challenges.
The Hackernauts, a South Africa and Prague team, claimed the first prize with their innovative solution. The Dragons Unleashed from Botswana came in second, while Teamo Supremo from South Africa secured third place. Each team demonstrated a remarkable ability to develop solutions that could be implemented across various business areas.
“The 2024 Absa Technology Hackathon has once again demonstrated the incredible talent and innovative spirit within our organisation,” Idesoh said.
“The winning ideas will be tested further and supported through implementation, benefiting our customers and colleagues. These solutions reinforce Absa’s journey towards becoming a leader in digital transformation.”
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Driving Financial Inclusion and Digital Transformation
The Hackathon aligns with Absa’s larger strategy of promoting financial inclusion and introducing innovative financial technologies. The bank continues to make progress in providing affordable financial services, helping to reach the unbanked and underbanked populations across Africa. These efforts aim to deliver a seamless customer experience while addressing the growing demand for digital banking solutions.
Absa’s digital initiatives transform internal operations and enhance customer experience across African operations. With events like the Hackathon, the bank continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation within the financial services sector.
The 2024 Absa Technology Hackathon showcased the power of collaboration, creativity, and digital innovation within the organisation. As the winning solutions from the 2024 Technology Hackathon are further tested and integrated into Absa’s operations, the bank remains at the forefront of digital transformation and financial inclusion in Africa.