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By Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi
The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office has proudly announced the successful conclusion of the first-ever AfCFTA Hackathon, hosted during the prestigious Science of Trade Conference 2025. The three-day event gathered over 60 dynamic teams, each brimming with innovative ideas aimed at transforming intra-African trade and digital commerce.
The hackathon culminated in a high-energy grand finale, where Team ExportPlug emerged as the overall winner, taking home the ₦20 million grand prize. Their revolutionary export-enabling platform earned accolades for its smart algorithms and competitive pricing strategies that seamlessly connect African producers to global markets. The award was made possible by the generous support of strategic partners, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Ascend Studios Foundation, GFA Technologies, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The hackathon provided a launchpad for over 300 young innovators from across the continent, ultimately spotlighting 15 finalist teams and crowning three standout winners. The initiative not only celebrated digital ingenuity but also marked a significant leap toward implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, said: “The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office celebrates the groundbreaking success of the AfCFTA Hackathon—an inspiring digital leap igniting youth innovation for continental trade. This digital leap drives African solutions for African trade, proving that youth-powered technology is the heartbeat of a united, competitive, and prosperous African market.”
Mr. Awolowo, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert and Lead of the AfCFTA Hackathon, added: “The first-ever AfCFTA Hackathon in Nigeria marks a bold leap into the future—where digital innovation meets trade policy, empowering Africa’s youth to architect seamless, tech-driven solutions that will power intra-African trade.”
Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of the Science of Trade Conference, praised the participants, saying: “We are proud of the over 300 innovative minds from across Africa who participated. Your energy and dedication are exactly what Africa needs. We thank our partners—NITDA, AWS, GFA Tech, and Ascend Studios Foundation—for supporting this transformative journey.”
Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of e-Government and Digital Economy at NITDA, emphasized: “From code to continent, this hackathon ignited the digital engine of AfCFTA. We have demonstrated Africa’s collective ingenuity to realise the transformative potential of digital trade.”
From the tech partner side, Mr. Seun Adeboyejo, Chief Product Officer at GFA Technologies, remarked: “GFA Technologies is proud to have enabled this visionary initiative. Congratulations to every participant—you are the true heroes of this movement.”
Echoing the sentiment, a representative from Cherith-Code Concept added: “This hackathon has unleashed digital ingenuity, empowered youth-led innovation, and marked a bold leap toward a smarter, connected African trade future.”
Nnenna Irebisi, AWS Public Sector Lead for West Africa, reflected: “We’re proud to be a tech partner. What moved me most was the youngest attendee—a participant’s baby—symbolizing that technology is truly a unifier and a frontier for future generations.”
As the curtains fall on this pioneering event, the AfCFTA Hackathon stands as a bold testament to the continent’s innovative spirit, showcasing the power of youth-driven technology in shaping the future of African trade.
Award Highlights
Grand Prize Winner:
Team: ExportPlug
Award: ₦20 Million (Sponsored by partners)
Recognition: For pioneering a scalable digital export solution boosting Africa’s cross-border trade.
2nd Runner-Up
Team: GET AI
Award: ₦10 Million E-Commerce Regulatory Sandbox Innovation Prize (courtesy of NITDA)
Recognition: For a regulatory sandbox solution that enables intelligent transaction automation in African digital marketplaces.
Most Innovative Team
Team: SyncAll
Award: Mentorship and special recognition
Recognition: For developing a culturally-conscious, scalable product to enhance Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Rabiu M. Hamza
Agency News
