The hunt is on for Africa’s best app!

Entries for Visa and South African Tourism’s Africa App Quest, a competition that aims to get developers across sub-Saharan Africa to build authentically African apps to capitalise on the continent’s growing popularity as a global tourist destination, are officially open.

The competition was launched at the E-Tourism Africa Summit, which took place from September 13-14 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.  

 “We encourage all developers – whether up-and-coming or already established in the industry – to get involved in the Africa App Quest. This is a great way for developers to make a name for themselves in the global travel and tech community,” said Jodie Schorn, Head of Cross-Border Marketing for Visa sub-Saharan Africa.

South African Tourism’s Global E-Marketing Manager, William Price added: “This is an opportunity for developers to step into the broader development arena and use their expertise to contribute to the fast-growing tourism industry and build a uniquely African app that enhances every tourist’s travel experience.”  

Entries can include anything from online safari guides and urban directories to game spotting and recording apps, online booking and shopping tools, or apps interpreting local cultures. All app entries must be compatible with mobile devices for iOs, Android and Windows. Any application that uses technology to improve and increase travel in Africa is eligible.

The competition closes on August 16, after which the judges – including representatives from Visa, SAT, Betapond (an approved Facebook developer), Kenya Tourist Board and TripAdvisor – will announce the three shortlisted entries.

A representative for each of the shortlisted entries will be flown to the sixth Annual E- Tourism Africa Summit in Cape Town for the final judging by the audience on September 9 and 10.  The winner will receive a cash prize of USD$10,000.

For more information, visit www.e-tourismfrontiers.com