The insurance sector in Nigeria and specifically in Kaduna is undergoing a pivotal digital transformation. Despite the state's economic potential, a significant trust deficit, manual processes, and low insurance penetration persist. This hackathon is a call to action for developers to build innovative

 solutions that address these local challenges. By leveraging the power of Africa’s Talking APIs, participants will create tools that not only streamline operations for insurance companies but also build much-needed trust and accessibility for the people of Kaduna. The goal is to move beyond traditional methods and pioneer a new era of insurance technology that is fast, transparent, and inclusive.

This event is a unique opportunity for software developers, UI/UX designers, and entrepreneurs to leverage the powerful APIs provided by Africa's Talking to address some of the most pressing challenges in the insurance sector. Whether it's creating accessible micro-insurance products, streamlining claims processing, or integrating seamless payment solutions, your ideas have the potential to revolutionize how insurance services are delivered across Africa.

We're inviting developers and innovators to explore the possibilities of combining technology with insurance, aiming to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and reliability for consumers. Participants will have access to a range of resources, including Africa's Talking APIs, mentorship from industry experts, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded innovators.

Objectives:

Enhance Claims Management: Develop tools for efficient, transparent, and automated claims processing to rebuild customer trust.

Improve Accessibility & Onboarding: Create user-friendly platforms that simplify the process of purchasing and managing insurance for a wider demographic, particularly in underserved communities.

Boost Customer Engagement: Build solutions that provide timely, clear, and relevant communication to customers, from policy updates to real-time claim status notifications.

Addressable Challenges and API Links:

• Challenge: Micro-Insurance Access: Develop a solution that uses SMS and USSD to provide micro-insurance products to the unbanked population while utilizing 2G technology.

  • API Link: SMS API

• Challenge: Navigating the health insurance enrollment process is often a complex, paper-intensive, and time-consuming task. For many, this complexity is a major barrier to getting covered, leading to low health insurance penetration and reliance on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare.

  • API Link: USSD API

• Challenge: Insurance claims processing is a notorious bottleneck. Manual reviews, slow verification, and a lack of transparency often lead to frustrated customers and increased operational costs for insurers. This is especially true for straightforward claims like minor vehicle damage or routine medical expenses.

• API Link: Voice API

Who Should Attend?

This hackathon is for passionate individuals ready to innovate and reshape the future of finance:

• Developers of all levels interested in applying their coding skills to build solutions for the insurance and finance sectors.
• Insurance Professionals, Actuaries, and Financial Experts looking to integrate their industry expertise with mobile technology to address local challenges.
• Data Scientists & Analysts seeking to leverage data and APIs for better risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer insights.
• Designers & UX/UI Experts keen on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for seamless insurance experiences.
• Project Managers & Entrepreneurs ready to lead teams and develop viable ideas and business models for Insuretech.
• Students in computer science, business, finance, and related fields eager for hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving.
• Anyone passionate about leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion and a more resilient insurance sector in Kaduna and beyond!

What you should expect as an Attendee:

• Access to Cutting-Edge Tools: Leverage Africa's Talking powerful APIs and SDKs, designed to make implementation seamless and hassle-free.

• Apprenticeship & Support: Work closely with seasoned experts from Africa's Talking who will guide and support you throughout the hackathon as we build with you.

• Networking Opportunities: Join as a member and connect with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and industry professionals.

• Cash Prizes, Recognition and Qualify to Join our Marketplace Program: Stand a chance to win exciting prizes, gain recognition for your innovative solutions and

• Impact: Contribute to the economic growth and development of Africa by providing solutions

New to Africa's Talking? Get started here. 

The winning solution will receive cash prizes as follows:

1. Winner - ₦80,000 (Join Marketplace Program)

2. 1st Runners Up - ₦60,000

3. 2nd Runners Up - ₦40,000

Developer Documentation (We welcome feedback)

Contribute to open-source.

Agenda:

1. Warm-Up

• Introductions

• Form teams where need be.

• Feedback

• Feature requests

2. Building/hacking: Code in GitHub/GitLab/BitBucket and deploy in Docker/Automated CI/Travis CI/Bamboo

Note: This section needs additional setup.

Upon commit, the repository is built and deployed to an accessible web server or an S3 bucket.

3. Demonstration and Wrap-up

Teams or individuals will demo what they have hacked for feedback or adoption.

Note: Carry a laptop

Opportunities:

• Network

• Innovate

• Access to our Talent bench (You can get a job or a gig on the spot)

Submit your Idea:

Hackathon idea submission form

Gigs:

We would love to reach out to you so that you can build for our customers, please fill out this form with details to ensure we have your details:

GIG/HACK DEVELOPER PORTFOLIO FORM

Africa's Talking community allows developers to learn skills for the modern-day African Developer. We are language and framework agnostic. All developers are welcome.

This is where Africa's Talking developers community meets to build, learn and exchange knowledge.

We are helping software developers and businesses bring their ideas to life through our easy-to-use APIs.

Slack & WhatsApp:

• Join Africa's Talking slack community here

Join our social media channels:

• Linkedin: here

• Twitter (X): here

• Facebook: here

• Youtube: here

• Instagram: here

• Tiktok: here

Africa's Talking powers communications solutions across Africa with simplified access to telco infrastructure, developers use our powerful SMS, USSD, Voice, Airtime, Mobile Data, Insights and Chat APIs to bring their ideas to life, as they build and sustain scalable businesses.

Africa's Talking community allows developers to learn skills for the modern-day African Developer. We are language and framework agnostic. All developers are welcome. This is where Africa's Talking developers community meets to build, learn and exchange knowledge.

Would you like to partner with us? Kindly contact the Developer Experience Team.