MTN Nigeria, has launched an App Developer Challenge. The competition is designed to empower Nigerian developers and tech entrepreneurs to build locally appealing and relevant apps for the millions of customers who rely on MTN for their daily lives.

The cross platform App challenge will run in two (2) phases. Phase I runs from July 24 – October 24 2013, where app developers are expected to build and submit their apps to the MTN NextApps store (previously built apps can also be submitted for the competition). At the expiration of the deadline for submission, Phase II kicks off where apps have 1 month i.e. till November 24, 2013 to amass as many downloads as possible to qualify for the initial draw (MTN will promote all apps submitted to consumers). The top 4 apps by downloads and a ‘wild card’ app (making 5 apps) will be short listed per category. A panel of judges will then decide the top app in each category based on set criteria. The categories are Health & Wellness, Education, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Gaming, Productivity and a special category for Student submissions. Apps are expected to be free for the duration of the competition to boost chances of downloads by consumers.

To ensure that apps developed meet the needs of the millions of customers on the MTN network in Nigeria and beyond, there will be ideation sessions with experienced practitioners in each category to help developers/tech entrepreneurs deepen their knowledge, understanding of the market and identify potential areas where consumers are looking to apps to improve their lives. Developers will also get the chance to get feedback on their app ideas from the experienced industry practitioners.

The grand prize is a Hyundai iX35, N1 million, a Samsung Galaxy S4 and 6 months free app promotion on the MTN Nextapps store. The top app in each of the categories will get N1 million, a Samsung Galaxy S4 and 6 months free app promotion on the MTN Nextapps store. For more seewww.mtnonline.com/challenge