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FNB has officially been announced as the headline sponsor for the App of the Year ecosystem, Africa’s largest and most prestigious app development competition. Now in its 13th year, this platform continues to evolve, empowering the next generation of tech startups across the continent.

“We are excited to lead as headline sponsors for the FNB App of the Year ecosystem. FNB has a rich history of innovation, having won the very first App of the Year award in 2012 for our pioneering FNB App, which transformed the local banking industry and earned us global recognition as the world’s most innovative bank,” said Andiswa Bata, CEO of FNB Business.

The FNB App of the Year initiative features a variety of events, including roadshows, hackathons, masterclasses, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony. Categories in the competition cover a broad spectrum, recognizing achievements in Consumer, Enterprise, Health, Education, Financial, and many other sectors, with both South African and broader African entries celebrated.

A key component of the ecosystem is the SETA-accredited FNB App Academy, which culminates in a 72-hour virtual hackathon where app developers from across Africa create solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.

The App of the Year awards bring together top app developers, industry leaders, and stakeholders, creating a space for innovation and collaboration.

“What started with just 50 submissions in 2012 has grown to thousands of entries from all over Africa,” said Sizwe Zim, Director of Creative Space Media, the agency behind the event. “We’re proud to have FNB as the headline sponsor, helping us grow this platform that fosters innovation across the continent.”

The awards have become a key driver for technological advancement in Africa, offering winners not only recognition but opportunities for funding and growth.

“We are committed to nurturing African tech talent and driving solutions that address social, economic, and business challenges. The FNB App of the Year Awards is a beacon for innovation, and we’re excited to see what the future holds,” added Bata.