Absa Bank Tanzania is strengthening efforts to increase opportunities for women in technology through the GirlCode Hackathon 2026, which brought together young women from across the country to develop solutions to real-world challenges in fintech, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The two-day innovation challenge brought together young women coders, developers and entrepreneurs from across Tanzania. It provided participants with an opportunity to apply their technical skills to practical challenges while gaining experience in innovation, collaboration and problem-solving.
The hackathon was held in partnership with Neurotech, Sahara Ventures, Snippe, Sndbx Spaces and GirlCode Africa. It also provided a platform for participants to develop solutions in areas that are increasingly important to businesses and financial institutions.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to create more opportunities for women in Tanzania’s technology sector. By connecting young women with practical technology challenges, industry professionals and potential career opportunities, the programme can help build a stronger pipeline of female talent in the sector.
Building a Stronger Pipeline of Female Technology Talent
Speaking during the closing ceremony in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer Oscar Mwamfwagasi commended participants for their creativity, determination and problem-solving abilities.
“Your solutions stood out not only for their technical excellence but also for their potential to make a real difference,” he said.
Mwamfwagasi said the hackathon was more than a competition. He described it as a platform for learning, collaboration, growth and transformation.
Participants developed solutions ranging from ecosystem banking platforms to AI-powered optimisation engines. The projects demonstrated how young Tanzanian women can use technology to respond to challenges facing businesses and communities.
“You have tackled complex challenges with boldness and brilliance, proving that innovation knows no gender and that the future of technology is brighter because of you,” Mwamfwagasi said.
He also reaffirmed Absa Bank Tanzania’s commitment to creating inclusive pathways for women in technology. The bank’s approach is aligned with its purpose, “Empowering Africa’s Tomorrow, Together, One Story at a Time,” and its brand message, “Your Story Matters.”
“Events like this are not just about coding; they are about creating pipelines. We are identifying talent, nurturing potential and opening doors,” he said.
Mwamfwagasi added that participants could gain access to opportunities including internships, mentorship and future employment.
“When women are given the opportunity, they don’t just participate, they lead,” he said. “The next generation of tech leaders is already here.”
From Hackathon Ideas to Wider Opportunities
The programme also encouraged participants to continue developing their skills beyond the competition. Mwamfwagasi urged those who did not win awards to remain focused on their ideas and use the experience gained during the hackathon as a foundation for further development.
“Every great technologist has faced setbacks. What matters is how you respond. Take what you have learned here and keep building, keep dreaming and keep pushing boundaries,” he said.
Team Rafikis emerged as the overall winner, followed by Team Bizlift in second place and Team Nexora in third place.
Representing Team Rafikis, Lilian Msaki, an Information Technology engineering graduate from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), expressed her appreciation to Absa Bank Tanzania and GirlCode Africa for organising the hackathon.
She said the competition had helped her gain greater confidence in using technology to develop solutions to different challenges.
“I would like to encourage all women with ideas not to be afraid to come forward. You can solve many problems through technology,” said Lilian.
Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Information Officer Emanuel Mwinuka said initiatives such as the GirlCode Hackathon could contribute to addressing the gender imbalance among computer systems professionals in Tanzania.
“This challenge is not only in banks but also in other industries. That is why we at Absa decided to encourage young women from universities and workplaces to take advantage of opportunities in technology and to use technology to develop solutions,” he said.
Mwinuka described the 2026 edition as a successful event. He also noted that the winners would have an opportunity to represent Tanzania in a wider international competition involving winners from other participating countries.
“Today’s event has been very successful. We have had three winners,” he said.
He added that the first-place winner would compete with winners from other countries through their solutions, with the best solution receiving another award.
The GirlCode Hackathon 2026 concluded with an awards ceremony and networking sessions. The event brought together industry stakeholders and young women working to build their place in Tanzania’s technology ecosystem.
For Absa Bank Tanzania and its partners, the initiative also provides a practical platform to identify talent, support skills development and create more pathways for women to participate and take leadership roles in technology.
