Emerging tech talents across Nigeria have collectively benefited from N120 million in grants and prizes under Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 6.0 innovation program, a launchpad for digital solutions that strengthen business ecosystems and support fintech growth.
According to organizers, the latest edition of the competition drew participation from hundreds of innovators and developers, with winning teams and individuals receiving financial support to advance their tech ideas into viable products and services that address real‑world challenges.
At a closing ceremony held in Lagos recently, representatives from Wema Bank and its partners commended the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by participants, especially those whose solutions have direct implications for MSMEs, digital financial services, and e‑commerce platforms.
“Hackaholics is about discovering and supporting brilliant minds that can build technologies with impact,” said a Wema Bank spokesperson. “By awarding N120 million to these tech innovators, we are not just funding solutions; we are investing in the future of business and technology in Africa.”
The program’s focus spans key areas such as fintech, enterprise solutions, e‑health, logistics, agritech, and payment integration, with an emphasis on innovations that can drive efficiency, inclusion, and revenue growth for small and medium‑sized businesses.
Several winners highlighted how the funding will accelerate their product development, expand market reach, and deepen their engagement with the wider tech community.
“This support gives us the runway to take our idea from prototype to market,” said one recipient. “With this backing, we can build features that help MSMEs automate operations and better serve their customers.”
Hackaholics 6.0 also included mentorship sessions, industry masterclasses, and networking opportunities, connecting developers with investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem enablers.
Winners hailed from diverse backgrounds, including university students, freelance developers, and early‑stage startup teams. A number of the projects are expected to enter pilot testing phases with partner organizations that have committed to commercializing promising solutions.
Digital innovation experts say programs like Hackaholics fill a critical gap in Africa’s tech ecosystem, helping transform raw talent into scalable businesses capable of contributing to job creation and economic growth.
With technology adoption rising across sectors such as retail, logistics, agriculture, and services, access to funding and mentorship becomes increasingly vital for entrepreneurs aiming to build tools that serve both consumers and small businesses.
As Hackaholics 6.0 concludes, organizers hinted that future editions will continue to prioritize solutions with broad commercial appeal and real impact, especially those that empower MSMEs to overcome operational and market barriers.
