The Digital ID Hackathon Africa by the Upanzi Network and MSC (MicroSave Consulting)

• by MSC
• Jul 22, 2024
• 2 min

The first event in this series focused on Eastern Africa and would explore use cases that foster regional integration and inclusion using digital ID.

Many countries in Africa are transitioning toward national digital ID systems. However, the success and impact of a national digital ID program depend on its uptake and use cases. Currently, most use cases of digital ID in Africa are limited to elections, financial inclusion, and telecom. However, this technology can significantly improve people’s lives on the continent.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Upanzi Network and MSC (MicroSave Consulting) launched a series of regional hackathons for African university students to identify new and innovative use cases of digital ID across the continent. The first hackathon would focus on Eastern Africa and allow students to explore how digital ID systems could foster regional integration and inclusion.

The hackathons include an educational component for all participants. Before they submit their ideas, students will participate in a virtual course to understand and appreciate digital ID, its key features, and technical knowledge of digital ID platforms. Once finalists are selected, students receive mentorship from digital ID experts for guidance and support as they develop their prototypes for potential real-world applications. The top team from each hackathon will present their digital ID use cases at a regional conference.

“These regional hackathons are an important way for African university students to help develop the solutions needed for the digital transformation of the continent,” says Assane Gueye, co-director of the Upanzi Network. “To achieve sustainable implementation of digital ID within African countries, there needs to be a local knowledge capacity that understands both the technology and the nuances of their respective countries’ challenges and culture.”

The Upanzi Network, located at CMU-Africa in Rwanda, is a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded initiative that works toward a secure and resilient digital transformation of Africa. The group creates, tests, innovates, and helps implement digital technologies at scale.

“These hackathons will allow students to explore new digital transformation approaches. The use cases emerging from these hackathons will reflect a deep understanding of local contexts and cultural nuances, ensuring they are both relevant and sustainable. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient digital economies across Africa,” says Mitul Thapliyal, partner at MicroSave Consulting (MSC).

MSC (MicroSave Consulting) is a leading global consulting firm specializing in financial, social, economic, and digital inclusion. For the last 25 years, MicroSave Consulting (MSC) has worked closely with governments, financial institutions, and development organizations to drive digital transformation, enhance financial systems, and foster sustainable development.

Registration is now open for the Eastern Africa Digital ID Hackathon and will close August 11, 2024 and 11:59 p.m. CAT.

Join the Discord channel to form a team.

Learn more about the hackathons | Register to participate in the Eastern Africa hackathon