Overview:
The hackathon, held in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed to identify and support innovative solutions addressing regional economic challenges. Munyasa's project was among the eight winning initiatives selected from over 1,000 entries from EAC Partner States.
Kampala, Uganda — Ugandan entrepreneur, Munyasa Hellen, has emerged as one of the winners of the East African Community (EAC) Regional Hackathon, taking home USD 16200 (approximately UGX 58,110,000) to support her business, Helton Traders Limited.
The hackathon, held in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed to identify and support innovative solutions addressing regional economic challenges. Munyasa’s project was among the eight winning initiatives selected from over 1,000 entries from EAC Partner States.
Munyasa was joined by other winners from across the region, including Niyonkuru Kevin from Burundi, founder of SPOTA Company, and Cirhuza Birhaheka Onesphore from the Democratic Republic of Congo, founder of AGRIMOD SARL.
Tayba Hatiym from Kenya, founder of BAUS Taka Enterprise, Pacifique Niyorurema from Rwanda, founder of Fresco Fruits, and Mohamed Osman Abdulkadir from Somalia, founder of Greenlife Agribusiness LTD, also took home the top prize.
Anok Athor Deng from South Sudan, founder of Future of Family Planning, and Faith Kuya from Tanzania, founder of SafeSip Limited, completed the list of winners, each receiving USD 16,200 approximately UGX 58,110,000.
“I congratulate Munyasa Hellen on this remarkable achievement,” said Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda’s Minister of State for East African Community Affairs. “This win is a testament to the potential of Ugandan youth and women to contribute to the region’s economic growth and integration. We are proud to see our citizens taking the lead in driving innovation and economic development in the region.”
The EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, commended the winners, emphasizing the crucial role of women and youth in driving innovation and economic resilience in the region.
The regional hackathon was organized by the EAC Secretariat and GIZ, with support from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).