Sanwo-Olu lauds AfCFTA Hackathon, pledges support for youth in ICT

By Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the organizers of the ongoing AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, calling the event a transformative innovation that aligns with the state’s economic development goals.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation on Thursday at the Science of Trade (SOT) Conference 2025, which featured the AfCFTA Hackathon in Lagos.

Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, he emphasized the critical role of ICT in cross-border transactions, describing Lagos as a youth-driven hub for technological solutions.

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem and Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert/Lead at the Coordination Office, at the AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 held on 1st May, 2025 at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

During her interaction with participants, the Commissioner pledged the state’s support for the overall winner of the AfCFTA Hackathon 2025. She also lauded the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office for its innovative and groundbreaking initiative, which aligns with the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol to boost intra-African trade.

Additionally, she reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office in fulfilling its presidential mandate to implement the AfCFTA agenda.

Earlier, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, described the Hackathon as a pioneering initiative that unlocks opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Awolowo, represented by Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert/Lead at the Coordination Office, highlighted 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 simplify 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 showcases technology’s potential to bridge gaps, streamline trade, and drive Africa’s economic integration in the digital era.”