AL for Infrastructure Hackathon

Creating Technology Solutions for Africa’s Infrastructure Challenges

DAY 00
HR 00
MIN 00
SEC 00

#infrastructure #hackathon2024 #al4infrastructure

AL for Infrastructure Hackathon
  • Registration Opens

  • Registration Closes

  • Evaluation and Announcement

  • Bootcamp

  • Demo Day

All timings are as per (GMT +2:00) Kaliningrad, South Africa
Organized By
In Partnership With
Supported By
Powered By

About Us

The African Leadership Academy has partnered with Hindsight Ventures for the 2nd Edition of the AL for Infrastructure Hackathon which focuses on leveraging technology solutions to tackle Africa’s Infrastructure Challenges.

The focus areas for this hackathon are; 

  1. Manufacturing, 
  2. Environment, 
  3. Transport, Logistics & Supply Chain, 
  4. Financial Services.

Are you a young person driven by the desire to have an impact on your community? This hackathon gives an opportunity to high-impact African youth to create solutions within the above thematic areas. 

This 8-weeks' bootcamp starts on 29th March to 24th May 2024. For further steps, follow our social media channels to stay up-to-date.
Program Takeaways:

  • 8 weeks Venture Development Bootcamp
  • Technology credits worth of $600,000
  • International Demo day
  • Access to industry mentors and facilitators
  • Access to our global network (Startup Reseau & Hindsight Ventures)

Problem statements to be solved

This hackathon aims to develop technology solutions that can be deployed in the manufacturing, environment, transport & logistics, and financial services sectors in Africa.

Icon
Problem Statement 01: Manufacturing

General Problem Statement

The manufacturing sector is widely considered to be the ideal industry to drive Africa’s development. This is due to the labor-intensive, export-focused nature of the industry. Many African economies are based on raw commodity exports, which make them highly susceptible to global price movements. In most cases, the general population does not directly benefit from the country’s natural resources, with large transnational corporations and the political elite the primary beneficiaries of the resource base. To address this challenge, this hackathon seeks to enable creators to reimagine a factory of the future that has sustainability at the core of it, by leveraging digital technologies. 

Specific Problem Statement - Provided by Bosch

1. Topic: Manufacturing of portable solar Energy system (gas bottle) as replacement for as source of energy for domestic needs.

2. Motivation: The world is currently experiencing an increasing cost for fossil energy sources such as oil, Gas, etc. Africa is particularly impacted as many countries can’t process raw energy sources like crude oil, ending up importing or re-importing fuel, gas etc. consequently leading to economic and social crises. Additionally, local infrastructure required to distribute energy has not scaled consistently, putting several countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria at a constant shortage of electricity.

3. The Need: Develop a system that can capture solar energy at scale and make it reusable in small battery systems, with different capacities. The Solar energy could be used to load into smaller batteries in well-equipped centers. The first usage could be for cooking using electricity replacing gas containers used for cooking. More advanced usage could be as replacements for gas generators. The entire  Aftermarket could be supported by an application showing where someone can load more energy/power, notifying the user about the status of their power generator, etc.

Icon
Problem Statement 02: Financial Services

Financial technology solutions have recently provided new ways to improve economic growth while enhancing financial inclusion for those who were previously left out of legacy financial services. However, payment ecosystems are still fragmented across the continent, severely limiting trade, and creating barriers to continental integration. Creators have the chance to design solutions that promote green financing options and sustainable investments, supporting ESG reporting for businesses, managing risks, and encouraging sustainable business practices to accelerate Africa’s transition to a green economy.

Financial technology solutions have recently provided new ways to improve economic growth while enhancing financial inclusion for those who were previously left out of legacy financial services. 

However, payment ecosystems are still fragmented across the continent, severely limiting trade, and creating barriers to continental integration. 

Creators have the chance to design solutions that promote green financing options and sustainable investments, supporting ESG reporting for businesses, managing risks, and encouraging sustainable business practices to accelerate Africa’s transition to a green economy. 

Icon
Problem Statement 03 : Environment

General Problem Statement

Environment: Africa faces serious environmental challenges, including land degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss and extreme vulnerability to climate change. The global plastic menace is particularly manifesting on the continent with the growing population and urbanization driving an increase in single-use plastic, heightening environmental pollution and health threats. With plastic and plastic waste deteriorating our environment, this hackathon presents an opportunity for creators to devise a digital first solution to tackle this challenge. 

Specific Problem Statement - Provided by Sanergy and Fresh Life

Introduction: Founded in 2011 in Kenya, Fresh Life is a social enterprise whose mission is to make safe sanitation accessible and affordable for everyone, everywhere. In the last 11 years, Fresh Life has built a network of 6,500 container based toilets in informal settlements within Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret cities that serve 200,000 people everyday. Fresh Life employees safely remove 14,000 metric tonnes of waste annually from these toilets and deliver it to a central processing facility where it is converted into organic fertilizer, and insect-based animal feed for the local agricultural market. Our 5-year goal is to serve 1,000,000 people living in low-income areas with safe sanitation by the end of 2027.

We provide and service container-based toilets across informal settlements in Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret, with plans of expanding into other cities in Kenya. The toilets are installed by the Fresh Life team, and come with a mirror, handwashing station, a bucket and mop as well as a bucket with sawdust. Our team of waste collectors replace the urine and fecal containers every two days (or more depending on the number of users) and bring the full containers to our collection centers.

Problem: One of the most important parts of the fresh life toilet is the accompanying handwashing station, consisting of a metal frame which holds the bucket for water. Safe sanitation encompasses various different elements, and one of these is the importance of hygiene when using the bathroom i.e. washing hands.

What we have found is that these handwashing stations often get misplaced, stolen, or the water bucket is not filled, likely due to difficulty in access to water supply.

We have begun to think about various approaches to try to address this issue, either by somehow fixing the handwashing stations to the FLT or looking at a more hands on approach with regards to education on the importance of handwashing i.e. behavioral change approach.

Task: Design an effective handwashing kit for Fresh Life toilets.

Icon
Problem Statement 04 : Supply Chain, Logistics and Transport

Improvements in logistics performance are a significant driver of economic growth. Digitalization in logistics, which includes enhanced tracking systems, digitized flows of information, artificial intelligence, and automation, has further enabled globalized trade. However, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, majorly export-commodity-dependent, still lag behind, grappling with huge infrastructure deficits and trade barriers which result in a broken supply chain that negatively impacts growth. 

Problem statement 01: Optimising Route Planning for Efficient Supply Chain Logistics in Diverse African Contexts 

In the dynamic landscape of African supply chain and logistics, there exists a critical need to enhance efficiency through optimal route planning. The complexities inherent in the African continent, characterised by diverse terrains, infrastructure challenges, and varying regulatory environments, demand innovative solutions to streamline the movement of goods and services.

The goal of this topic for the participants is to develop cutting-edge route optimisation solutions that can address these challenges, ensuring cost-effectiveness, timely deliveries, and sustainability.

Key Challenges to Address:

  1. Diverse Geographical Terrain:
    • Africa presents a wide range of geographical landscapes, from dense urban areas to remote rural regions, each with its unique transportation challenges.
    • Participants must devise a route optimisation solution/s that consider diverse terrains, varying road conditions, topography, and weather.
  2. Infrastructure Disparities:
    • Inconsistent road infrastructure across regions poses a significant obstacle to efficient logistics.
    • Solutions should account for varying road qualities, infrastructure limitations, and propose alternative routes based on real-time data.
  3. Regulatory Variability:
    • Different countries and regions within Africa may have distinct regulations and compliance standards affecting logistics operations.
    • Teams must develop a route optimisation solution/s that comply with local regulations, customs requirements, and international standards.
  4. Data Availability and Accuracy:
    • Limited and unreliable data on road conditions, traffic patterns, and logistical constraints are prevalent challenges in the African context.
    • Solutions should explore innovative ways to collect, update, and utilise real-time data for accurate route planning.
  5. Last-Mile Challenges:

• Urban congestion and difficulties in accessing remote areas contribute to last-mile delivery challenges.
• Participants are encouraged to design solutions that optimise not only long-haul routes but also address the complexities of last-mile delivery for maximum efficiency.

Expected Outcomes:
Participants are expected to develop scalable and adaptable route optimisation solutions that can address the unique challenges of the African supply chain and logistics ecosystem. These solutions should leverage emerging technologies, such as machine learning, IoT, and data analytics, to provide real-time insights and adaptive route planning. The winning solutions will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to the sustainable and resilient growth of supply chain networks across Africa.

Problem Statement 02. "Unlocking Hidden Economic Corridors: Identifying and Harnessing Untapped Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Africa"
In the vast and diverse landscape of Africa, there exist untapped economic corridors that hold the potential to drive sustainable development yet remain invisible or underutilised. The objective of this hackathon is to explore, identify, and develop innovative solutions that reveal these hidden economic corridors, fostering economic growth, job creation, and regional integration across the continent.

Key Challenges to Address:

  1. Limited Visibility:
    • Many potential economic corridors in Africa remain obscured due to insufficient data, lack of awareness, or inadequate mapping.
    • Participants are tasked with devising methodologies and tools to uncover and visualise these hidden corridors, considering factors such as trade flows, resources, and infrastructure.
  2. Cross-Border Collaboration:
    • Economic corridors often traverse multiple countries, requiring seamless cross-border collaboration for effective development.
    • Solutions should propose frameworks or technologies that facilitate cooperation among nations to maximise the benefits of identified corridors while addressing regulatory and diplomatic challenges.
  3. Infrastructure Gaps:

• Some potential corridors may lack adequate infrastructure, hindering their development and utilisation.

• Teams are encouraged to present strategies for identifying corridors where targeted infrastructure investments can unlock economic potential, promoting connectivity and accessibility.

  1. Sustainable Development Goals:
    • The solutions should align with sustainable development goals, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects to ensure long-term viability.
    • Participants should consider how the development of these economic corridors can contribute to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and inclusive growth.
  2. Technology and Innovation:
    • Leverage technology and innovation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness
      of economic corridors.
  3. Propose a solution/s that incorporates emerging technologies such as blockchain, IoT, or AI to optimise operations, monitor logistics, and enhance overall corridor performance.
  4. **Expected Outcomes:**Participants are expected to deliver a comprehensive solution/s that go beyond merely identifying hidden economic corridors. Winning solutions will include actionable plans for development, leveraging technology and collaboration to transform these corridors into engines of sustainable economic growth, regional integration, and prosperity for the communities they traverse. The ultimate goal is to uncover and tap into these hidden opportunities, fostering a more connected and resilient African continent.

Problem Statement 03: Revolutionising Warehousing: Developing Innovative Contactless Warehouse Management Systems for Enhanced Efficiency and Safety

The traditional warehouse management systems have faced challenges in adapting to the evolving needs of modern supply chains, especially in the context of the ongoing global health crisis. The objective of this hackathon is to create groundbreaking Contactless Warehouse Management Systems (CWMS) that leverage emerging technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and adaptability in the warehousing sector.

Key Challenges to Address:
1. Contactless Operations:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for minimising physical contact in warehouse operations to ensure the safety of workers.
  • Participants are tasked with developing a solution/s that enable contactless inventory management, order picking, and other essential warehouse processes while maintaining or improving efficiency.
  1. Real-time Visibility:
    • Traditional warehouse management systems may lack real-time visibility into inventory, leading to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making.
    • Solutions should incorporate technologies such as RFID, IoT, and AI to provide real- time tracking and visibility of inventory movements, enabling more accurate demand forecasting and responsive decision-making.
  2. Autonomous Technologies:
    • Explore and implement autonomous technologies to optimise warehouse processes, including autonomous vehicles for material handling, automated sorting, and robotic systems for picking and packing.
    • Propose innovative solutions that integrate these technologies seamlessly into existing warehouse infrastructures.
  3. Scalability and Integration:
    • Many warehouses operate on different scales and use diverse systems, requiring solutions that are scalable and easily integrable with existing technologies.
    • Develop solutions that can adapt to warehouses of varying sizes and integrate with different enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring broad applicability.
  4. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy:
    • As warehouses become more connected, the security of data and protection against cyber threats become paramount.
  5. Participants are expected to address the cybersecurity challenges associated with contactless warehouse management, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.
    Expected Outcomes:
    Participants are expected to create innovative Contactless Warehouse Management Systems that redefine traditional processes, emphasising safety, efficiency, and adaptability. Winning solutions should demonstrate the integration of cutting-edge technologies, scalability, and a focus on cybersecurity, providing a blueprint for the future of warehousing in a rapidly changing global landscape. The goal is to elevate warehouse operations to new levels of efficiency and safety while paving the way for sustainable and resilient supply chains.

Bootcamp Takeaways

What you will get

As a participant in the hackathon, you will get access to the following;

Host
6 - 8 weeks' Venture Development Bootcamp
13 high-potential startups will be selected for a 4-week venture mentorship and leadership development bootcamp, that will be delivered by successful founders, industry leaders, domain experts and investors from Hindsight Ventures and ALA
Host
Technology credits worth of $600,000
Each startup gets in excess of $600,000 in technology credits from partners such as AWS, Zoho, IBM, Microsoft, Canva, DigitalOcean, FreshWorks and more.
Host
Demo day

The Hackathon will culminate with a demo day, wherein the startups from the cohort will pitch to industry partners.

Eligibility

  1. Age Requirement: Participants should be below 35.
  2. Residency: Open to nationals residing in and out of Africa.
  3. Background: Participants may come from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to technology, engineering, business, environmental sciences, and finance.
  4. Team Composition: Participants may enter individually or as part of a team, with a maximum team size of five members. Members who register individually will be paired with other registrants.
  5. Skills: Participants should possess relevant skills and expertise in areas such as technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.
  6. Commitment: Participants must be committed to actively participating in all phases of the hackathon, including the bootcamp and final presentations.

FAQ

What is the AL for Infrastructure Hackathon about?

The AL for Infrastructure Hackathon focuses on leveraging technology solutions to address Africa's infrastructure challenges. It aims to build a network of young leaders and partners working together to create sustainable technology solutions to solve Africa's infrastructure challenges.

What are the key dates for the hackathon?

Hackathon Launch: February 22nd, 2024 Applications Close: March 15th, 2024 Evaluation and Announcement: March 15th - 28th, 2024 Bootcamp Commences: March 29th, 2024 Bootcamp Ends: May 24th, 2024 Final Presentations/Demo Day: June 4th, 2024

What are the focus areas of the hackathon?

The focus areas include Manufacturing, Environment/Sanitation, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transport, and Financial Services. Each area addresses specific challenges in Africa's development landscape.

How can I participate in the hackathon?

To participate, register for the hackathon and submit your proposal addressing one of the focus areas outlined. Your proposal can address specific sample problem statements submitted by our hackathon partners or a different challenge within any of the thematic areas.

What happens after the hackathon bootcamp?

After the boot camp, participants will present their final solutions during the Demo Day, where winners will be announced, and their innovative solutions showcased. Teams that present viable solutions are eligible for support and partnerships with our program partners.

Contact

For AL for Infrastructure Hackathon related queries, please reach out to

For technical queries during registration or proposal submission process, please reach out to