Collins Sefa The Ghanaian tech landscape received a significant boost over the weekend as more than 120 young innovators converged at the University of Ghana, Legon Campus, for the second edition of the Ghana Hackathon.
Organized by Zindi Africa and backed by technology-driven mobility brand Yango Group, the event focused on solving real urban transport issues using machine learning and data science.
Held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, the hackathon welcomed data enthusiasts, students, and developers, both on-site and online. Participants were challenged to create intelligent models capable of predicting taxi travel times across Accra, factoring in weather conditions and trip data. The models were designed to address real-world transportation bottlenecks, using insights provided by Yango’s in-house data science team.
Driving Innovation for Africa’s Urban Challenges
The event wasn’t just a tech competition—it was a call to action for problem-solving rooted in the African context. Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digital Innovation, who attended the event, emphasized the need for relevant and home-grown innovation.
“Innovation must respond to the realities of our environment,” he told attendees. “This hackathon shows the creative energy our young people possess. Let’s use that power to build solutions that are proudly African, deeply contextual, and forward-thinking.”
A Platform for Talent, Inclusion, and Growth
Building upon last year’s successful edition and similar hackathons hosted across Zambia, Mozambique, and DR Congo, this year’s gathering reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a hub for tech talent. Several standout participants received awards, including cash prizes and tech gear such as power banks, external drives, and other digital tools to support their learning journeys.
For many attendees, the event was their first exposure to a real-world tech sprint. One such participant was Mawuena Agbesi, a final-year Computer Engineering student at the University of Ghana.
“Taking part in this hackathon was truly empowering,” she shared. “As one of the few women in the room, I saw the importance of representation. This was more than a competition—it was a transformative learning experience.”
Yango’s Vision: Data-Driven Mobility for West Africa
Yango’s commitment to transforming urban mobility through technology was central to the event. Tom Ofonime, Country Manager for Yango Ride Ghana, explained how data is reshaping mobility services and why events like this matter.
“Travel time estimation is at the heart of modern ride services. Accurate predictions help us better serve customers, allocate resources, and manage logistics. At Yango, our DNA is technology—we’re engineers, data scientists, and innovators. This hackathon aligns perfectly with our mission to apply data in meaningful, impactful ways.”
Beyond the Hackathon: Building the Future of Tech in Ghana
The event forms part of Yango’s wider educational agenda in Ghana. Through its Yango Education Program, the company has provided free access to foundational courses in data analytics, Python, and SQL for hundreds of Ghanaians. The company says it plans to roll out more initiatives focused on upskilling youth and advancing digital innovation across the country.
