The Impact of the FNB App of the Year : More Than just Awards
What began as a platform to spotlight South Africa's best mobile apps has evolved into a year-round ecosystem of innovation, impact, and opportunity. The FNB App of the Year is now a catalyst for skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, helping thousands of young people rewrite their future through technology.
App Academy - Building Skills for a Digital Future
At the heart of this ecosystem is the FNB App Academy - a fully-funded, 9-week coding programme designed to transform lives.
Beyond technical training, the Academy builds confidence, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping learners to not only join the workforce, but to shape it.
Hackathon - Africa's Largest Innovation Challenge
The FNB App of the Year Hackathon is now the largest of its kind on the continent, with over 10 000 participants annually.
For 72 hours, developers, designers, students and entrepreneurs team up to tackle real-world issues through digital solutions. These include:
With mentorship from industry experts, many ideas evolve into real-world startups, internships, and pilot projects, driving real impact across communities.
App of the Year Awards - : Celebrating Homegrown Innovation
The App of the Year Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile applications. This prestigious accolade recognises apps that redefine user experiences, push technological boundaries, and solve real-world problems with creativity and efficiency. Each year, the awards highlight standout achievements across diverse categories, from gaming and productivity to health and education, showcasing the industry's best and inspiring the next generation of app developers nationwide.
Celebrating Home-Grown Excellence
The awards themselves remain a powerful spotlight for South African innovation. In 2024, Matric Live, an education app designed to support high school learners with interactive study materials, quizzes and exam preparation tools, took home the coveted Overall App of the Year title. The win catapulted the young team behind Matric Live onto the global stage - and in 2025, they are set to travel to Silicon Valley to participate in a major international innovation conference, showcasing South African creativity and resilience to the world. Together, the Academy, Hackathon and Awards form an unbroken chain of opportunity - from training to testing to triumph.
The FNB App of the Year ecosystem doesn't just celebrate innovation; it builds it at scale, proving that when talent meets opportunity, South Africa's next generation can compete - and win - on the world stage.
Leading by example: Why we're Involved
Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting your career, this event provides a platform to elevate your work, connect with industry leaders, and make a meaningful impact.
FNB's continued sponsorship of App of the Year reflects its commitment to fostering a vibrant tech eco-system in South Africa. By supporting developers and start-ups, FNB aims to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the country's economic growth. Our involvement brings additional resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, making it even more beneficial for participants. Actively inviting others to follow suit on the path to technological excellence in Africa. Because when you innovate, you not only advance your career, you help contribute to a brighter world for all.
Let's code the change we want to see.Let's turn problems into possibilities.
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