Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, others compete for N20m prize at AfCFTA Hackathon

By Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi

The inaugural AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 has kicked off in Lagos, Nigeria, with over 200 youth in Information and Communication Technology from across Africa vying for the N20 million grand prize.

Cross session of the participants at the ongoing AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 taking place at Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos from May 1-3, 2025

The competition, part of the ongoing Science of Trade (SOT) Conference 2025, features applicants from Nigeria, the Gambia, Malawi, Ghana, Niger, and Algeria.

Speaking at the event’s opening on Thursday, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, described the Hackathon as a groundbreaking initiative that advances opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Awolowo, who was represented by Olusegun Olutayo, the Senior Trade Expert/Lead at the Coordination Office, emphasized the event’s significance, stating: “By fostering innovation through digital platforms, we are enabling businesses to thrive in a borderless, tech-driven marketplace.”

He challenged participants to develop cutting-edge technological solutions that streamline regional trade and cross-border transactions across Africa.

“This high-impact challenge aims to accelerate digital trade within Nigeria and across Africa, supporting the practical implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol,” he added. “The Hackathon demonstrates technology’s potential to bridge gaps, streamline trade, and propel Africa’s economic integration in the digital era.”

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), noted the Hackathon’s timeliness, given Africa’s growing demand for digital solutions to facilitate seamless cross-border payments and trade.

Represented by Dr. Salisu Kaka, Director of e-Government and Digital Economy Development, Kashifu stated that the initiative aligns with the extant provisions of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and NITDA’s mandate to unlock new frontiers in digital trade.

Dr. Inya Lawal, convener of the SOT Conference, expressed optimism about the Hackathon’s prospects, praising the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office for championing the initiative.

Meanwhile, Adeboyejo Seun, Chief Product Officer at GFA Technologies, revealed the participant breakdown: 209 qualified Nigerians, alongside 5 from the Gambia, 3 from Malawi, 2 from Ghana, 1 from Niger, and 1 from Algeria.

The AfCFTA Hackathon is organized by the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office in partnership with Ascend Studios Foundation, Cherith-Code Concept, NITDA, GFA Technologies, Amazon Web Services and others as part of the SOT Conference 2025—an annual tech and digital ecosystem event.

The AfCFTA Hackathon continues until Saturday 3rd May, 2025.