World Bank-backed app challenge in Egypt attacks Cairo's notorious traffic

The first ever Cairo Transport App Challenge (Cairo TApp) wrapped up Saturday with the first prize awarded to a mobile application that helps drivers with road assistance and car maintenance. Twenty-three teams were whittled down to ten finalists in the World Bank-sponsored competition to develop the best technological solution to one of the many problems associated with navigating Cairo's notorious congestion.

Initiated in June 2012, the Cairo TApp has engaged technologists on transport challenges ranging from harassment and other personal safety issues to encouraging shared rides and car-pooling, increasing effective traffic enforcement, and improving driver behavior. Egyptian technology specialists worked alongside stakeholders and experts in transport and urban development to develop 23 new mobile applications, or apps. The competition was organized in a collaboration between the World Bank, the Egyptian Ministry of Communicatio