A 3-day innovation challenge dedicated to leveraging technology to transform Africa’s digital trade landscape. This exciting event invites forward-thinking individuals and teams from across the continent to come together and create impactful solutions that will shape the future of Africa’s cross-border commerce.
The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon is designed to spark creativity and collaboration in addressing critical challenges in Africa’s digital trade ecosystem. By bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the hackathon seeks to solve pressing issues such as e-commerce facilitation, digital payments, logistics, and digital identity management across the continent. The solutions created during this event will help pave the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and accessible digital economy in Africa.
Key Challenges
Participants of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Hackathon will address seven strategic challenges aimed at driving innovation in Africa’s digital trade and cross-border commerce:
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E-Commerce Policy & Trust: Simplify digital trade rules to boost trust and cross-border e-commerce in Africa.
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Connectivity Access: Improve internet access in remote areas to include more people in the digital economy.
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Digital Payments: Create secure, fast, and inclusive payment systems, especially for the unbanked.
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Logistics & Delivery: Solve infrastructure gaps to improve cross-border e-commerce delivery and logistics.
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Youth & MSME Inclusion: Empower youth and small businesses through digital skills and onboarding support.
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E-Commerce Adoption: Increase consumer and business trust in online shopping with better platforms and support.
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Global Expansion: Help African businesses grow internationally through export tools and digital branding.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to: African developers, startups, students, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs
- Must be of African origin
- Aged between 18 and 45 years
- Can apply individually or as a team
- Teams can have a maximum of 5 members
Ready to participate? If you meet the eligibility criteria above, go ahead and complete your registration below.
Beyond The Competition
Mentorship & Post-Hackathon Opportunities
Winning isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. All finalists will benefit from:
Expert Mentorship
Personalized guidance from industry leaders, trade experts, and tech mentors.
Incubation Opportunities
Fast-track entry into incubation programs to scale your solution beyond the hackathon.
Piloting and Implementation
Selected projects may be piloted in real-world settings under the AfCFTA digital trade agenda.
Access to Funding & Investor Networks
Connect with angel investors, venture capitalists, and innovation funds ready to support promising ideas.
Visibility & Recognition
Showcase your project at regional innovation events and gain recognition across the African continent and beyond.
Prize Categories
Best Overall Solution
Recognizing the most comprehensive and scalable digital trade innovation.
Most Innovative Solution
For bold, out-of-the-box thinking that redefines possibilities in digital trade.
Best Regulatory Compliance Solution
For solutions that demonstrate excellence in navigating trade and data regulations.
Best Logistics Solution
Honoring groundbreaking ideas that streamline delivery, fulfillment, and last-mile logistics across borders
Grand Prize Pool ₦20 Million
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Click HERE to Apply
