MENA developers could win $20k In Facebook challenge

CAIRO – 19 February 2017: Social media giant Facebook announced a challenge for developers across the Middle East and Africa. Dubbed the Bots for Messenger Challenge, the contest is open to teams of up to three developers who will be competing to create the most innovative new bot for Facebook Messenger, the company said in a Wednesday press release.

The Bots for Messenger Challenge is part of Facebook’s commitment to promoting innovation across the Middle East and Africa. With a grand prize including $20,000 and three months of Facebook mentorship, there are also awards for runners up and finalists.

There are two separate contest regions, one for the Middle East and North Africa and another for Sub-Saharan Africa, with three individual categories : gaming and entertainment, productivity and utility, and social good. The submission period for the contest runs from February 15 to April 28, 2017.

Launched in April 2016, bots are part of the Messenger Platform. Bots allow businesses to provide automated subscription content, such as weather and traffic updates, and customized communication like receipts and shipping notifications to their customers.

Facebook was founded in 2004. According to their statement the company developed out of the hacker culture of the time. The company has since sought to remain on the leading edge of innovation on new platforms. In July 2016, Facebook Messenger surpassed 1 billion users.