TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

Organised by MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL)

1. About the MoMo Fintech Lab

1.1 The MoMo Fintech Lab (“Programme”) is an innovation and development programme organised by MobileMoney Fintech LTD (“MMFL”) to identify, support and develop innovative fintech ideas and solutions with the potential to contribute to the future of financial services in Ghana.

1,2 The Programme provides selected participants across the country with opportunities including mentorship, skills development, technical support, stakeholder engagement, networking, pitching and other forms of support throughout the Programme journey.

1.3 These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern participation in the Programme and apply to all applicants and participants.

1.4 By submitting an application, the applicant or participant hereby confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

2. Eligibility
2.1The Programme is open to individuals and teams who meet the eligibility requirements stated in the application form.

2.2 Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application.

2.3There is no nationality or residency restriction. However, applicants must be able to participate in person in Ghana at the relevant stages of the Programme where physical attendance is required.

2.4 Where an application is submitted by a team, the person submitting the application confirms that they have the authority and consent of all team members to submit the application and participate in the Programme on the team’s behalf.

2.5 MMFL may request reasonable evidence to verify an applicant’s identity, eligibility, team membership or information provided in an application or post-evaluations.

2.6 Employees and other staff of MMFL, Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana), and any persons directly involved in administering the Campaign may be excluded from participating or receiving an award at MMFL’s sole discretion.

3. Application and Submission

3.1Applications must be submitted through the designated application channel and within the stated application period.

3.2Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is accurate, complete and not misleading.

3.3 An applicant may be required to provide additional information or clarification during the selection process.

3.4 MMFL reserves the right to reject or disqualify an application where information provided is false, materially misleading, incomplete or otherwise inconsistent with these Terms.

3.5 Submission of an application does not guarantee selection, participation in any particular stage, receipt of any award, funding, investment, commercial opportunity or other benefit.

3.6 MMFL is not obliged to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

4. Selection and Evaluation

4.1 Applications will be evaluated by persons or panels appointed by MMFL and/or its authorised Programme representatives.

4.2 Selection may take place through multiple stages, including application screening, pitching, hackathons, mentorship and acceleration, demonstrations and final evaluation.

4.3 The Programme journey may include progression of applicants through different stages, including selection of the Top 100, Top 30, Top 12, Top 6 and final ranking of participants. The stages may include – Zonal Hackathons, Bootcamp, Mentorship Lab and Demo Day.

4.4 Selection and ranking may be based on criteria including, but not limited to, innovation, relevance, feasibility, scalability, impact, commercial potential, technical potential, problem-solution fit, execution capability and quality of presentation.

4.5 MMFL reserves the right to modify the selection methodology, evaluation criteria, programme stages, number of participants or structure of any stage where reasonably necessary for the effective administration of the Programme.

4.6 Subject to applicable law, the decisions of MMFL and/or its appointed evaluation panels regarding selection and ranking shall be final.

5. Programme Participation and Responsibilities

5.1 Selected participants are expected to actively participate in the activities applicable to their Programme stage.

5.2 Participation may include in-person attendance at hackathons, workshops, mentorship sessions, pitching sessions, demonstrations, stakeholder engagements and other Programme activities.

5.3 Participants must comply with reasonable instructions, schedules, venue requirements, health and safety requirements and codes of conduct communicated by MMFL or its authorised representatives.

5.4 Participants are responsible for ensuring that their participation does not infringe the rights of any third party.

5.5 Participants must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully throughout the Programme.

5.6 MMFL may remove or disqualify a participant who engages in misconduct, provides false information, breaches these Terms, infringes third-party rights, or otherwise acts in a manner that may adversely affect the integrity or reputation of the Programme.

6. Intellectual Property and Participant Submissions

6.1 Except as expressly agreed in writing, participants retain ownership of intellectual property that they owned or developed independently before participating in the Programme (“Pre-existing IP”).

6.2 Participation in the Programme does not, by itself, transfer ownership of a participant’s intellectual property to MMFL.

6.3 By submitting an idea, concept, prototype, software, business model, presentation, design, document or other material (“Submission”), the participant confirms that:
6.3.1 they own the Submission or have the necessary rights and permissions to submit it;
6.3.2 the Submission does not knowingly infringe the intellectual property, confidentiality, privacy or other rights of any third party; and
6.3.3 where the Submission has been developed by a team or jointly with others, the participant has obtained the necessary authority and consent to submit it.

6.4 Participants grant MMFL and its authorised Programme partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to access, reproduce, review and use their Submissions solely to the extent reasonably necessary to administer, evaluate, develop, document, report on and promote the Programme.

6.5 Where a participant receives technical, mentorship, business, stakeholder or other support during the Programme, such support does not automatically transfer ownership of the participant’s underlying IP to MMFL.

6.6 Participants acknowledge that MMFL, its affiliates, partners, sponsors, mentors, evaluators and other participants may independently develop, receive, evaluate or work on ideas, technologies, products or solutions that are similar to or have similar objectives to a participant’s Submission.

6.7 Participation in the Programme does not create an agreement that MMFL or any other person is prohibited from independently developing, acquiring, investing in or supporting similar ideas or solutions.

6.8 Nothing in these Terms prevents a participant from taking appropriate steps to protect intellectual property that is capable of legal protection, including through applicable copyright, trademark, patent, confidentiality or other rights.

6.9 Participants are responsible for determining whether their Submission contains information that should be protected through registration, confidentiality arrangements or other appropriate means before disclosure.

6.10 Where the Programme or MMFL proposes to commercialise, license, acquire, invest in or otherwise obtain ownership or rights in a participant’s specific intellectual property, this will be subject to a separate written agreement between the relevant parties.

7. Submission & IP Acknowledgement

7.1 By submitting an application, each applicant acknowledges and agrees that:
7.1.1 The idea, concept, solution or other material submitted is their own work or has been submitted with all necessary rights and permissions.
7.1.2 They remain responsible for protecting any intellectual property rights in their Submission that can or should be legally protected.
7.1.3 Submission of an idea does not give MMFL ownership of that idea or the participant’s existing intellectual property.
7.1.4 They understand that MMFL may receive, consider or support other ideas or solutions that are similar to, overlap with or independently resemble their Submission.
7.1.5 MMFL is not required to compensate a participant merely because a similar idea, concept, feature, product or solution is later developed, supported, implemented or commercialised independently by MMFL, its affiliates, partners, sponsors, participants or other third parties, provided such use is not based on an unauthorised use of the participant’s protected intellectual property.
7.1.6 They will not knowingly submit confidential information belonging to another person or organisation without the necessary authority.
7.1.7If their Submission is selected for further development, commercialisation, licensing, investment, acquisition or another arrangement involving specific rights in their intellectual property, the relevant terms will be agreed separately in writing.

7.2 This acknowledgement is intended to clarify the basis on which ideas and materials are submitted to the Programme. It does not waive any rights that cannot lawfully be waived under Ghanaian law.

8. Confidentiality

8.1 MMFL will take reasonable measures to handle information submitted through the Programme appropriately and in accordance with applicable law.

8.2 Participants should clearly identify information they consider confidential where the application or Programme process allows them to do so.

8.3 Information will not be treated as confidential where it:
8.3.1 is already publicly available;
8.3.2 becomes publicly available through no breach of these Terms;
8.3.3 was lawfully known to MMFL before it was submitted;
8.3.4 is independently developed without reference to the participant’s confidential information; or
8.3.5 is required to be disclosed by law, regulation or a lawful order of a competent authority.

8.4 Participants acknowledge that the Programme involves the presentation and discussion of ideas and that MMFL cannot guarantee that every aspect of a Submission will remain confidential, particularly where participants voluntarily disclose information publicly during pitches, demonstrations or other Programme activities.

9. Publicity, Photography and Media

9.1 Participants may be required to participate in publicity, media interviews, photography or promotional activities relating to the Programme.

9.2 By participating in the Programme, participants agree that MMFL and its authorised partners may record and use their name, likeness, voice, photographs, video footage, quotations and general information relating to their participation for purposes connected with the Programme without additional compensation being paid by MMFL or its authorised partners.

9.3 Such use may include Programme communications, publicity, social media, websites, press releases, reports, presentations, case studies and other promotional or informational materials.

9.4 MMFL will not, solely by virtue of this clause, acquire ownership of a participant’s underlying intellectual property.

9.5 Participants should not disclose confidential or commercially sensitive information during public presentations or activities unless they are comfortable with such information being publicly disclosed.

10. Awards and Programme Benefits

10.1 Subject to successful completion of the relevant Programme requirements and verification by MMFL, the Top 12 participants will receive awards and support as follows:

Position	Cash Award
1st	GHS 100,000
2nd	GHS 50,000
3rd	GHS 30,000
4th	GHS 20,000
5th	GHS 10,000
6th	GHS 10,000
7th – 12th	GHS 5,000 each

10.2 The total cash awards available to the Top 12 are GHS 250,000.

10.3 In addition to the cash awards, the Top 12 participants will receive curated in-kind support, mentorship and stakeholder support intended to support the sustainability and continued development of their solutions.

10.4 The nature, timing and availability of in-kind support may vary depending on the participant’s needs and the availability of relevant Programme partners, sponsors, mentors and stakeholders.

10.5 Awards and benefits are not transferable unless otherwise determined by MMFL.

10.6 MMFL may require reasonable documentation or verification before releasing an award.

10.7 Receipt of an award or Programme support does not constitute a guarantee of investment, employment, commercialisation, partnership, integration with MMFL or MTN services, or future financial support.

11. Taxes

11.1 All cash prizes under the Programme shall be subject to applicable taxes.

11.2 Unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, Participants shall be solely responsible for any taxes, statutory deductions or obligations arising from rewards received under the Programme where applicable under the laws of Ghana.

11.3 MMFL reserves the right to deduct or withhold any applicable taxes that MMFL is by law required to deduct or withhold prior to payment of the cash prizes.

12. Personal Data and Privacy

12.1 MMFL may collect and process personal information provided by applicants and participants for purposes including administering and evaluating applications; communicating with applicants and participants; managing Programme activities; verifying eligibility and participation; administering awards and benefits; monitoring and evaluating the Programme; and carrying out legitimate Programme communications and publicity.

12.2 Personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable Ghanaian data protection laws, including the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).

12.3 Personal information may be shared with authorised persons, Programme partners, service providers, evaluators, mentors or other parties where reasonably necessary for the administration and delivery of the Programme, subject to applicable legal and contractual safeguards.

12.4 Participants have rights in relation to their personal data as provided under applicable law, including rights relating to access, correction and objection to certain processing.

12.5 Further information on the collection and processing of personal data may be provided through MMFL’s applicable privacy notice.

13. Programme Changes, Suspension or Cancellation

13.1 MMFL reserves the right to modify the Programme structure, dates, venues, activities, selection stages, evaluation process or other Programme arrangements where reasonably necessary.

13.2 MMFL may postpone, suspend or cancel all or part of the Programme where circumstances beyond its reasonable control make this necessary.

13.3 Where reasonably practicable, MMFL will communicate material changes to affected participants.

13.4 Participants will not be entitled to compensation solely because of a change, postponement, suspension or cancellation of a Programme activity, except where required by applicable law.

14. Withdrawal and Disqualification

14.1 A participant may withdraw from the Programme by notifying MMFL through the designated Programme channel.

14.2 MMFL may disqualify or remove a participant where the participant:

14.2.1. does not meet the eligibility requirements;
14.2.2 provides false, misleading or materially incomplete information;
14.2.3 breaches these Terms or Programme rules;
14.2.4 engages in fraudulent, dishonest, abusive or disruptive conduct;
14.2.5 infringes or is reasonably suspected of infringing third-party rights;
14.2.6 fails to participate in required Programme activities without reasonable explanation;
14.2.7.engages in conduct that may materially damage the integrity or reputation of the Programme; or
14.2.8 Refuses or fails to comply with a reasonable request made by MMFL in accordance with these Terms

14.3 Where appropriate, MMFL may also withdraw an award or Programme benefit that has been granted on the basis of false information, misconduct or a material breach of these Terms.

15. Liability and Disclaimer

15.1. Participation in the Programme is voluntary and does not constitute an offer of employment, investment, funding, partnership, agency, joint venture or commercial agreement with MMFL or any of its affiliates or partners.

15.2 MMFL does not guarantee that participation in the Programme will result in commercial success, investment, revenue, employment, product launch, market access, integration, funding or any other commercial outcome.

15.3 To the extent permitted by applicable law, MMFL will not be responsible for loss or damage arising from circumstances outside its reasonable control or from a participant’s own actions, omissions or decisions.

15.4 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under Ghanaian law.

16. Disputes

16.1 Any dispute arising under the Programme shall first be referred to MMFL for review and determination.

16.2 To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the decision of MMFL on disputes regarding participant eligibility, evaluation and selection, disqualification, and award allocation shall be final.

16.3 For other disputes (aside those on which MMFL has final decision prerogative), MMFL and the aggrieved parties shall negotiate in good faith towards an amicable settlement. Where no amicable settlement is reached within 30 days of the dispute arising, either party may refer the dispute to the Commercial Division of the High Court which shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine the dispute.

17. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions regulating the Programme shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

18. General Terms

18.1 These Terms, together with the application form and any Programme rules or instructions communicated by MMFL, constitute the terms governing participation in the Programme.

18.2 Where there is a conflict between these Terms and a specific written agreement subsequently entered into between MMFL and a participant, the specific written agreement will prevail in relation to the subject matter of that agreement.

18.3 MMFL may update these Terms where reasonably necessary. Material changes will be communicated to participants where applicable.

18.4 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

18.5 A failure by MMFL to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of its right to enforce that provision later.

18.6 These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

18.7 Any dispute arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Ghana, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

19. Right to Modify

19.1 To the extent permitted by law, MMFL reserves the right to:

19.1.1 amend these Terms;

19.1.2 modify incentive structures including cash prizes;

19.1.3 Solely adjust eligibility and qualification criteria;

19.1.4 suspend or terminate the Programme at any time where necessary.

20. Acceptance

20.1 By submitting an application to the MoMo Fintech Lab, the applicant(s) confirms that:

20.1.1 they have read and understood these Terms & Conditions;
20.1.2 they meet the eligibility requirements;
20.1.3 the information they have provided is accurate to the best of their knowledge;
20.1.4 they have the right and authority to submit the idea or materials included in their application;
20.1.5 they understand that participation does not guarantee selection, funding, investment or commercialisation; and
20.1.6 they agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.