African and Middle Eastern developers get the chance to win prize money of $20,000 courtesy of Facebook. The requirements is to create the most innovative bot through the Bots for Messenger Developer Challenge. Announcement of finalists and winners will be happen on June 19th.
This is not the first time Facebook is holding a competition to advance innovation in Africa and the Middle East, both regions that hold a lot of promise.
Africa is seeing a high level of venture capital flowing in and home-grown businesses activity. The region is drawing the attention of entrepreneurs heading back to their home countries to start business operations, driving substantial progress for the entire industry, growing economies and experiencing the fastest rate of urbanization today. Africa is driving science and tech amongst their people and their youth, encouraging innovation and tech savvy abilities with their over 200 innovation centers.
The Middle East is also seeing a tonne of start up action with Israel thriving in the scene in tune with economic progress although it has a tremendous amount of potential in terms of encouraging and fostering talent in the sector.
Facebook had just held the Internet.org Innovation Challenge, where 6 startups across Africa were awarded half a million US dollars in prize money.
To qualify for the Bots for Messenger Developer Challenge, developers must group themselves in three and create bots in gaming and entertainment, productivity and utility, and social good categories. Winners will receive $20,000 and mentorship for three months while runners-up will receive $10,000 and other benefits.
