Developers to win upto Sh350,000 in Orange app challenge

NAIROBI, KENYA:  Kenyan startups can now submit their app development ideas for the Orange API AMEA (African, Middle East and Asian Countries) Developer Challenge.

This competition will see startups submit their proposals that must demonstrate the use of existing Orange APIs (SMS, USSD and Operator billing) in the apps’ development.

Startups from 14 African and Middle East countries including Kenya, Tunisia, Jordan, Mali, Botswana and Guinea Bissau will participate. They will also compete with startups from France who are renowned for unique designs and development of new services for users in their region.

“The Orange Developer Challenge is a platform that will give startups the opportunity to harness their skills and present to the rest of the world game changing ideas and products,” says Company CEO, Vincent Lobry.

The Orange Developer Challenge will be preceded by local chapters of the same in all AMEA countries, with ten ideas being shortlisted for the global competition. The deadline for the local selections is September 15, 2015.

 “Kenya’s status as the region’s technology hub is well documented. The last few years have witnessed tremendous growth in innovation that has changed the lives of Kenyans both socially and economically,” says Lobry.

“Orange is also looking for opportunities to enrich its customer experience. Partnering with developers is the ideal way to identify market needs and expand our product portfolio,” adds Lobry.

Ten proposals will be shortlisted at the local chapter level that will thereafter be expected to develop their applications for submission to a judging panel by November 1, 2015. The top three applications will win cash prizes: the winner being awarded Sh350, 000 and an Orange Klif phone, first runner-up receiving KSh. 100,000 and an Orange Klif phone and the second runner-up receiving Sh50,000 as well as an Orange Klif phone.   

The winning application from the local chapter will compete against other top applications from the rest of the AMEA region and France, for a chance to win the overall global prize of 10,000 Euros that will be presented in Cairo, Egypt, on November 25, 2015.