Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the contest run?

The contest runs July 1st- August 31st at 11:59PM EAT.

 

What do the winners get?

The winners will a small bit of fame and fortune — cash prizes, gadgets (iPhone 4G, Android phone, etc.) and a chance to hob nob with our judges panel of tech luminaries and civil society leaders at an awards ceremony in September. More details forthcoming.

 

How are programs evaluated?

Applications will be judged on:

 

1. Usefulness to the citizens, civil society organization or government of East Africa;
2. Potential for application to be useful for other institutions in the world;
3. Appeal of the application from a usability perspective;
4. Inventive and original nature of the application.

 

Are there others apps contests like this?

Yes, Apps 4 Africa build on other successful apps contests. Some American examples include Apps for Democracy (http://www.appsfordemocracy.org/) and USAID Development 2.0 (http://www.netsquared.org/challenges/usaid-development-20-2009). If we come across more we will post them on the wiki.

 

Applying

 

How do I apply?

Submissions can be made at our code repository at apps.apps4africa.org

 

How should I license my code?

Code can be developed for any platform. All code created for the Apps 4 Africa contest must be released under an Open Source Initiative approved license:
http://www.opensource.org/licenses/

 

Eligibility

 

Who is eligible?

The Apps 4 Africa competition is open to residents of the East African nations of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Non-citizens must have resident status.

 

Code

 

Where do I submit my code?

Apps 4 Africa uses a code repository called Indefero. Submission can take place at apps.apps4africa.com. More information on the wiki.

 

Who owns the code?

Each contestant has the rights to his or her code.

 

What language should I program in?

Whichever language you prefer. The Python people should think about coding in Python and so on.

 

Where must development take place?

There are no physical requirements for where the code can be built, though applicants must currently be in the East Afica region. All submissions will be done online.

 

Other Important Dates

 

When is the awards ceremony?

The award ceremony is currently planned for early September. Exact date to be determined.

 

Other Questions

What are the contest mailing lists?

The Apps for Africa Discussion Group is at http://groups.google.com/group/apps_for_africa

 

Can I organize my own Apps 4 Africa event or meet up?

Yes! If you are interested in organizing an event around a particular code base or issue area, get in touch with us at [email protected]

 

How can corporate partners get involved?

We welcome inquiries at [email protected]

 

What can I do to spread the word about Apps 4 Africa?

You can keep up with us on Twitter (@apps4africa) and on our Facebook group and share it with your networks!

 

What if I have questions that are not answered in this FAQ?

If these FAQs and the wiki still don’t answer your questions, you can reach us at [email protected]