Mobile telecommunication company, MTN, has launched its fourth edition of the MTN Ghana’s App Challenge competition.
The competition is aimed at equipping budding talents in the tech industry to provide digital solutions to address everyday challenges facing societies.
The fourth edition comes after three successful editions after the challenge was launched in 2013.
Speaking at the launch, the CEO of MTN, Ebenezer Asante stated that the first three editions “saw very innovative and interesting Apps, with BuzTrick, Oware and Wheelo receiving top honors in the respective years.”
Low internet connectivity still challenge
Meanwhile the relatively low internet penetration in Ghana is still hampering the country’s ability to leverage on benefits of digital platforms for economic growth.
According to businesses in the Telecom and ICT sectors, even though the country has made significant strides in adopting digital solutions to some societal challenges, there is still more to be done if the numerous benefits are to accrue to the state.
The Innovations Manager at MTN, David Narh tells Citi Business News he is confident the situation will change with the ability of the company to extend its coverage with the 4G license.
“A reliable internet really impacts on the operation of some of these products that we bring on board as telecom operators. The internet of things also depends on a very reliable internet connection,” he stated.
David Narh added, “The fact that the government allows us the license to operate a 4G and the fact that MTN has the means and resources to extend our coverage across the country.”
Currently, the number of internet users in Ghana is at 7,958,675 compared to the 339,283,342 users across Africa.
New add-ons to 2016 apps challenge
According to MTN, some few new additions to this year’s competition will be to reward developers of best Internet of Things (IoT) apps that address local problems.
Also, innovative and locally relevant mobile apps and animated videos will be rewarded.
citifmonline