M-PESA Ethiopia has concluded its CODE! CASHLESS COMMUNITIES M-PESA Hackathon 2026, an initiative designed to help local fintech developers build digital payment solutions for potential integration into its ecosystem.
The hackathon attracted 200 applicants, with M-PESA Ethiopia partnering with Yenetta Code to bring together more than 80 developers for a three-day bootcamp focused on M-PESA application programming interfaces (APIs). Participants received hands-on mentorship to develop their ideas into functional prototypes.
Following the bootcamp, 20 semifinalists presented their cashless payment solutions at M-PESA Ethiopia’s headquarters, competing for a place among the five finalist teams. According to the company, all 20 semifinalist ideas will have the opportunity to be considered for integration into the M-PESA ecosystem.
At the grand finale, the five finalist teams presented fintech solutions designed to address local needs and strengthen Ethiopia’s business ecosystem. Judges evaluated the projects based on simplicity, adaptability and market opportunity.
The top three teams received cash prizes, with ETB 200,000 awarded for first place, ETB 100,000 for second place and ETB 70,000 for third place.
M-PESA Ethiopia said the initiative aimed to attract emerging local talent, encourage the development of scalable digital payment solutions and introduce new product capabilities to its ecosystem.
The company also acknowledged the contributions of participating developers, mentors, judges and partners, including Yenetta Code, in delivering the programme.
The hackathon highlights efforts to connect local fintech talent with payment infrastructure and mentorship, creating opportunities for developers to build solutions that could support wider adoption of digital payments in Ethiopia.
