DFS Lab to host Dar es Salaam bootcamp on Mojaloop platform

US-based fintech accelerator and investor Digital Financial Services Lab (DFS Lab) will in April host a bootcamp in Tanzania aimed at building on and improving Mojaloop, an open-source financial inclusion software that was released by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2017.

Mojaloop helps create inter-operable payments systems in emerging markets. The platform was built in collaboration with leading tech and fintech companies that include Ripple, Dwolla, Software Group, ModusBox and Crosslake Technologies.

DFS Lab, which is also funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, made the announcement in a press release to Ventureburn today (16 January).

DFS Lab’s Mojaloop bootcamp will take place between 8 and 12 April in Dar es Salaam

In the statement, DFS Labs said it wants to offer fintech companies an opportunity to work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation team in a “closed-door session” to explore how Mojaloop can be used.

The accelerator said the five-day bootcamp, which will be held between 8 and 12 April, will offer participants an in-depth look at the Mojaloop stack, an opportunity to build solutions in collaboration with Mojaloop platform developers and the opportunity to prototype products and features built on the Mojaloop platform.

DFS Lab has yet to confirm the venue where the bootcamp will be hosted. However, the organisation said it will shortly be opening applications for participation at the bootcamp on its website and will share updates across its Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.

Participants to get stipend of $5000

Participants selected to attend the bootcamp will each be allocated a $5000 budget for project costs and travel. In addition, participants will also gain exposure to the development plans for the Gates Foundation’s and Mojaloop.

Furthermore, Bootcamp participants will benefit from post-event support for project development, as well as potential opportunities to showcase their use cases at events like Money2020 Europe and GSMA Mobile 360.

Interested companies will be expected to send teams of between two and four members to the bootcamp. DFS Labs advises interested fintech firms to bring at lease one member who understands the business and operational aspects of how Mojaloop can be utilised, as well as one member who is proficient with the code base.

Participants are also expected to provide DFS Lab with brand assets for use in event related marketing materials, in addition to a write-up on their experience and how their team is using the Mojaloop stack.

Featured image: DFS Lab via Facebook