ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Wema Bank has opened applications for the seventh edition of Hackaholics, its flagship innovation programme designed to support startups, entrepreneurs, developers and technology innovators across Africa.
The 2026 edition, themed “Powering Possibilities,” is calling for innovative, technology-driven solutions capable of addressing pressing social and economic challenges across the continent. Participants will have access to grant funding, mentorship, strategic partnerships, investor exposure and opportunities to scale their businesses.
Since its launch in 2019, Hackaholics has evolved into one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms, providing thousands of young innovators with the resources, networks and support needed to transform ideas into viable businesses. According to Wema Bank, the initiative has supported more than 10,000 startups, engaged over 50,000 participants and facilitated the development of more than 100 technology solutions.
About Hackaholics 7.0
Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s flagship open innovation programme aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of African innovators.
Unlike conventional hackathons that end with a pitch competition, Hackaholics combines funding opportunities with mentorship, product validation, business development and access to investors to help participants transform promising ideas into scalable enterprises.
This year’s edition introduces three participation tracks and seven innovation verticals, providing more opportunities for startups at different stages of growth to compete based on their needs and level of development.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to individuals and teams across Africa, including:
- Startup founders
- Early-stage entrepreneurs
- Software developers
- Product designers
- Engineers
- Students
- Young professionals
- Researchers
- Creatives
- Technology enthusiasts
- Innovators with technology-driven solutions
Applicants do not need to have a Computer Science degree to participate. Individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they have innovative ideas capable of solving real-world problems.
Innovation Focus Areas
Participants are expected to develop solutions within one or more of the programme’s seven priority sectors:
- Financial Inclusion
- Healthcare
- Digital Transformation
- Education
- Sustainability
- Social Impact
- Future of Work
The organisers are looking for innovations capable of improving lives, strengthening businesses and supporting sustainable development across Africa.
Participation Tracks
Applicants can register under any of the following categories:
Startup Pitch Competition
Designed for startups with existing products or solutions seeking funding, visibility and strategic partnerships.
Hackathon Track
This category targets developers, engineers, designers and technical teams interested in building innovative technology solutions to real-world challenges.
Social Impact Track
Introduced for the first time in Hackaholics 7.0, this track is dedicated to organisations, changemakers and innovators developing solutions that deliver measurable social and community impact.
What Participants Will Gain
Successful applicants will enjoy a wide range of opportunities beyond the competition itself.
Benefits include:
- Grant funding for outstanding innovations.
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Business development support.
- Exposure to investors and venture capital opportunities.
- Strategic partnerships with corporate organisations.
- Product validation opportunities.
- Networking with founders and technology professionals.
- Increased visibility within Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
- Access to post-programme support designed to help startups grow sustainably.
Nationwide Pitch Tour
Following the application phase, Hackaholics 7.0 will embark on a nationwide innovation tour.
Regional pitch events will be held across 10 centres covering Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Participants will pitch their ideas before panels of judges, investors and industry experts.
Outstanding teams from each regional event will qualify for the grand finale, where overall winners will receive grant funding and additional business support.
Why Hackaholics Matters
Africa’s startup ecosystem continues to grow rapidly, yet many promising founders struggle to secure early-stage funding, mentorship and market access.
Hackaholics seeks to bridge that gap by connecting innovators with financial support, industry expertise and commercial opportunities.
Rather than rewarding ideas alone, the programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs refine their products, validate market demand and prepare for long-term growth.
The initiative also contributes to broader economic development by encouraging youth entrepreneurship, technology adoption and innovative solutions capable of addressing societal challenges.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Hackaholics application portal.
- Create an account using a valid email address.
- Select your preferred participation track.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide details about your innovation or startup.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for updates regarding the next stage of the programme.
Application Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries as early as possible. At the time of publication, Wema Bank had not announced a final application deadline. Updates will be communicated through the official Hackaholics portal and Wema Bank’s communication channels. Apply Here
Enquiries
Prospective applicants seeking additional information can:
- Visit the official Hackaholics application portal.
- Follow Wema Bank’s official communication channels for programme updates.
- Contact the organisers through the support options available on the application portal.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Innovators
As African startups continue to attract global attention, initiatives like Hackaholics are becoming increasingly important in supporting entrepreneurs with the funding, mentorship and business networks needed to transform ideas into scalable ventures.
By expanding its focus areas and introducing a dedicated Social Impact Track, Hackaholics 7.0 reflects the growing demand for innovations that not only generate economic value but also contribute to solving pressing challenges in healthcare, education, sustainability, financial inclusion and the future of work.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, developers and changemakers, the programme presents an opportunity to refine their ideas, connect with industry leaders and position their innovations for long-term growth and impact within Africa’s evolving innovation ecosystem.
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