Lagos-Bharti Airtel, has unveiled an application challenge for startup developers, as it seeks to attract the ‘next big app developers’ into the Airtel group of companies.
This is contained in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Thursday.
In the statement, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Mr Christian de Faria, said that the challenge was in partnership with Singaporean Telecommunications Company, Singtel and smartphone company Samsung.
De Faria said that the challenge sought to attract developers in Africa and Asia, who would partner with the companies to launch applications on the two continents.
He said that the challenge showcased the company’s commitment to empowering the youth toward realising their potential in various sectors, including Information Communications and Technology (ICT).
”This initiative is a great opportunity for developers in Africa to come up with innovative mobile apps that directly touch individual consumer’s needs.
”We hope to partner with like-minded individuals who will come forward and work together with us to come up with apps that will help us deliver the best smartphone experience for customers,” De Faria said.
NAN reports that under the partnership, Airtel Africa will provide all operational support by running the campaign promotions.
Singtel and Samsung will organise a two-day mentorship programme for the regional winners and the final in November, 2015.
The Airtel Africa CEO said that the five-month app challenge would see participants develop consumer-centric mobile applications that would leverage on mobile network services – mobile, data, carrier billing, location and SMS.
The deadline for applications submission is September 5th, 2015 after which two African winners will be selected to participate in a Startup Mentorship Programme in October in Singapore.
The overall winners will be announced in November and expected to commence assignment with Airtel/Singtel group of companies in 2016. (NAN)