The DataHack for Financial Inclusion (DataHack4FI) competition is aimed at the delivery of appropriate financial services to underserved and low-income segments of society, in a way that enables them to meet their needs to consume, manage risks and unlock opportunities to improve their lives. The competition is held across six African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana and Zambia.

Now in its 2nd year, DataHack4FI brings together Data Science enthusiasts and existing FinTechs to create data-driven solutions to real-world challenges in financial inclusion. An in-country Data Science Facilitator and Fellow will both be attached to each FinTech that meets the criteria with costs being covered by i2i for the duration of the the competition – February to April 2018. Multiple sessions will also be organised for knowledge sharing on various topics, with selected sessions delivered by Data Science Experts outside the country.

There are two categories: US$5,000 for overall winners; and USD2,500 for a product that targets women. Teams can participate in both. The winners in each category will proceed to the final competition, due to be held in Rwanda on 9-10 May 2018 during Transform Africa Summit, where they will compete for $25,000 and seed funding from global investors.