Android Developer Challenge for sub-Saharan Africa launched

14 Apr 2011

In response to the growing number of Android device activations in African markets, Google this week announced its Google Android Developer Challenge, inviting talented and creative developers in sub-Saharan Africa to design and build original Android applications for mobile phone users.

Android Developer Challenge for sub-Saharan Africa launched

Categories for entries include entertainment, media and games; social networking and communications; and productivity, tools and lifestyle. Winners will each receive an Android phone and US$25,000.

"In the past year alone, we have met with over 10,000 developer and techies across sub-Saharan Africa. We are continually impressed by the ingenuity and enthusiasm of this community to solve real problems with technology," says Bridgette Sexton, programme manager at Google. "At every Google event in Africa, Android is the most popular topic - as Android users multiply, so does the appeal for developers to build apps on this free open source platform."

Participants can submit applications via the challenge website by 1 July 2011. The winning application will be announced on 12 September 2011.

Google will be hosting two Android events in Cape Town on 3 May and Johannesburg on 4 May in collaboration with Google Technology User Groups (GTUGs). New Android developments and insights will be discussed along with the opportunities Android holds for application developers and consumers in South Africa.