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| Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer, Oscar Mwamfwagasi. |
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - August 22, 2026: Absa Bank Tanzania, in partnership with GirlCode, a South African-based non-profit organisation dedicated to equipping girls from underprivileged backgrounds with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the technology industry, has announced the return of the GirlCode Tanzania Hackathon for its second year.
The announcement follows a remarkable milestone in 2025, when Tanzania’s team won the Pan-African Grand Prize valued at US$5,000, highlighting the growing potential of young Tanzanian women in technology and innovation.
The GirlCode Hackathon forms part of GirlCode’s wider Pan-African initiative aimed at empowering young women with practical technology skills, mentorship and opportunities to develop solutions addressing real challenges in their communities.
The return of the Tanzania edition marks an important step in strengthening the country’s pipeline of female technology talent while building on the success achieved by participants in last year’s competition.
Tanzania’s 2025 victory demonstrated the impact of investing in young women as innovators, builders and problem-solvers. The achievement not only placed Tanzania on the Pan-African GirlCode Hackathon map but also inspired more young women across the country to see themselves as active participants in Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.
“At GirlCode, we are incredibly proud of what the Tanzania team achieved last year,” said Zandile Mkwanazi, CEO of GirlCode. “Winning the Pan-African Grand Prize showed the depth of talent, creativity, and potential that exists among young women in Tanzania. As we return for the second year, our goal is to build on that momentum and give even more young women the opportunity to develop their skills, work in teams, and create technology-driven solutions that can have real impact.”
This year’s hackathon will bring together female students, graduates, aspiring developers and young innovators who will collaborate in teams, receive mentorship and present their solutions to a panel of judges.
Participants will be challenged to think critically, apply their technical skills and develop innovative ideas that can contribute to the future of work, entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
Beyond the competition itself, the hackathon provides an important platform for young women to gain exposure to the technology industry, connect with peers and mentors, and build confidence in pursuing careers and opportunities in technology.
For many participants, the experience can serve as a stepping stone towards internships, employment, entrepreneurship and continued professional learning.
SME FOUNDERS TO BRING REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer, Oscar Mwamfwagasi, said the involvement of SME founders adds an important practical dimension to this year’s programme.
“What makes this year's Hackathon especially valuable is the active participation of SME founders, who bring practical business experiences and real-world challenges into the programme. Their involvement enriches the learning journey for participants while opening doors for startups to showcase their ideas, receive guidance from industry experts, and build connections that can accelerate their growth. Initiatives like this are essential in fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating a more inclusive digital ecosystem that supports Africa's continued development.”
The participation of SME founders is expected to create opportunities for young innovators to engage directly with real business challenges while gaining insights from entrepreneurs and industry experts.
It will also provide startups with an opportunity to showcase their ideas, receive guidance and establish connections that could support their growth and development.
BUILDING TANZANIA'S FEMALE TECH TALENT
As the GirlCode Hackathon continues to expand across Africa, Tanzania’s success story demonstrates what can be achieved when young women have access to the right platforms, resources, mentorship and networks.
The 2025 Pan-African victory has established a strong foundation for the second edition, with this year’s programme seeking to inspire an even larger number of Tanzanian women to pursue technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
GirlCode is inviting young women in Tanzania, alongside partners, mentors and members of the technology ecosystem, to support the initiative and contribute towards building a more inclusive digital future for Africa.
GIRLCODE TANZANIA HACKATHON 2026
Date: 26–27 September 2026
Applications: GirlCode Hackathon 2026 Application Page
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