KAMPALA, Uganda (Oct. 11, 2025) — Fifty Ugandan women in technology have created innovative financial technology, or fintech, solutions designed to bridge the significant financial inclusion gap facing women, particularly those in rural areas.
The solutions were developed during the 2025 GirlCode Hackathon, hosted by Absa Bank Uganda in partnership with GirlCode. The event was part of a 30-hour, pan-African competition engaging 700 women across eight cities.
The hackathon focused on solutions to real-world financial challenges. Teams of developers and designers, working with mentors, developed digital tools, including:
- Mobile applications for financial literacy.
- Innovative payment solutions tailored to women.
- Digital products to improve access to credit for rural communities.
The initiative directly addresses a key disparity in Uganda’s financial landscape. While the national financial inclusion rate hit 81% in 2023, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report highlighted that in 2021, only 32% of rural adults held formal financial accounts, compared to 42% in urban areas. Rural women face unique barriers to accessing these services.
Patricia Nshemereirwe, Chief Operating Officer at Absa Bank Uganda, stressed the importance of empowering the nation’s young, digitally engaged population. “By equipping women with the skills, mentorship, and networks to design these solutions, the hackathon not only empowers participants but also contributes to broader financial inclusion and economic growth across the country,” Nshemereirwe said.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Absa Bank Uganda’s Director of Marketing and Customer Experience, commended the participants, stating, “These young women have demonstrated that when women innovate, communities thrive and economies grow.”
The winning team, Code Forces, received digital equipment prizes. Their team lead, Treasure Karagwa, called the event an “incredible professional opportunity.” Absa Bank Uganda confirmed the hackathon is part of its commitment to empowering women in technology and advancing financial inclusion across Africa.
