Nigerian women developers have built digital tools to address various challenges, including flood warnings, loan-app verification, cybersecurity, and access to healthcare information. The solutions were developed during the SheCode Africa Apify Hackathon, a two-day hybrid programme that brought together women and girls with engineering backgrounds. The event aimed to develop technology solutions to local problems. The projects addressed a range of issues, showcasing the creativity and skills of the participants.
One of the projects, a flood-warning system developed by Byte Queens, uses publicly available weather forecasts to generate location-based alerts. The system sends updates through WhatsApp in multiple languages, including English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. The alerts include expected flood intensity, timing, and suggested safety measures. This solution aims to help communities prepare for and respond to flood events. The project demonstrates the potential of technology to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
Another team, Data Divas, developed a tool that extracts information from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to enable users to check whether a loan app has been approved or blacklisted. This solution addresses the growing concern of loan app scams and provides users with a way to verify the legitimacy of loan apps. The tool has the potential to protect users from financial exploitation. The team plans to refine the tool and explore making it open source.
Team Sentinel developed a tool for identifying potentially risky websites by examining domains, look-alike domains, and certificate transparency information. This solution aims to enhance cybersecurity and protect users from online threats. Other projects focused on healthcare, education, African history and culture, and market intelligence. These projects demonstrate the diversity of challenges that can be addressed through technology and innovation.
The projects were assessed partly on their ability to solve real-life problems and remain useful beyond the hackathon. About 26 teams submitted entries, while 23 participated in the final programme. The teams that emerged as winners include Data Divas, Byte Queens, and Sentinel. The winning teams were recognised for their innovative solutions and potential impact.
Oreoluwa Oluwasina, a University of Lagos student and member of Data Divas, said the team planned to refine its loan-app verification tool and explore making it open source. The team also aims to develop additional tools to address related challenges. The project has the potential to make a significant impact on the financial lives of Nigerians. The team's plans demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and scalability.
The SheCode Africa Apify Hackathon provided a platform for women developers to showcase their skills and creativity. The event highlighted the importance of technology in addressing local challenges and promoting development. The projects developed during the hackathon have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.
Key points
- Data Divas emerged as the winner of the SheCode Africa Apify Hackathon with its loan-app verification tool.
- The hackathon brought together 23 teams to develop technology solutions to local problems.
- The projects addressed a range of challenges, including flood warnings, cybersecurity, and access to healthcare information.
