Applications Are Open For The 2018 Proudly Made In Aba Hackathon Challenge

Applications are now opened for the Proudly Made in Aba Hackathon challenge for startups with solutions and ideas that’ll add value to the Aba manufacturing cluster. Powered by TBWA/Concept in partnership with #startupsouth and funded by Ford, the initiative is aimed at discovering individuals that are leveraging technology to solve identified challenges ranging from access to the market, distribution/logistics difficulties, lack of marking/branding, to poor manufacturing infrastructures in Aba. Aba, popularly known as the “China of Africa”, because of its enormous and diverse manufacturing abilities and its pool of experienced traders & manufactures. Insights from the Made in Aba campaign by TBWA, show that over 800 pairs of shoes, 350,000 belts, bags and other leather goods are manufactured every week in Aba. Ford and TBWA/Concept believe these values can be tripled if modern technologies are being implemented in production processes and support from the right investors are available. This campaign gives the opportunity to 10 startups and teams with solutions to problems that will drive revolutionary growth to the Aba manufacturing clusters. Applications close on February 26, 2018, selected startups will then present to a panel of judges comprised of business leaders, and the best three ideas will be sponsored by Ford Foundation. Applications close on the 26th of February, 2018, hurry and apply