19/03/2025
According to HiPipo CEO Innocent Kawooya, the initiative is part of the HiPipo program, now scaling across the COMESA region in partnership with the COMESA Business Council and with support from the Gates Foundation. The initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in Digital Financial Services (DFS), empowering women—particularly those in cross-border trade—to become leaders in FinTech innovation.
"Six years ago, it was rare to see women leading FinTech conversations. Today, more women hold C-Level leadership positions, and this initiative has played a key role in that transformation. It has nurtured women into leaders, enabling them to establish organizations that have grown into major corporations and pioneers in innovation," Kawooya noted.
He emphasized the opportunity this Hackathon presents for participants.
"This is more than just a competition; it is a platform for mentorship and transformation. The women taking part have the chance to become changemakers within the COM