Wema Bank Plc has launched the seventh edition of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics, introducing new competition tracks and expanded opportunities aimed at empowering young African innovators and technology entrepreneurs.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on July 1 at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos.
Launched in 2019, Hackaholics serves as Wema Bank’s flagship platform for discovering, nurturing and supporting young innovators with technology-driven solutions capable of addressing social and economic challenges across Africa.
According to the bank, the initiative has, over the past six editions, supported more than 10,000 startups, engaged over 50,000 participants, facilitated the development of more than 100 technology solutions and awarded substantial grant funding to outstanding innovators.
The 2026 edition, themed “Powering Possibilities,” introduces three participation tracks comprising the Startup Pitch Competition, Hackathon, and a newly created Social Impact category.
Participants are invited to submit innovative solutions across seven focus areas, including financial inclusion, healthcare, digital transformation, education, sustainability, social impact and the future of work.
Following the application phase, the competition will embark on a nationwide tour covering 10 pitch centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, where shortlisted innovators will present their ideas for a chance to qualify for the national grand finale.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to promoting innovation, youth empowerment and economic development.
According to him, Hackaholics has evolved into a platform that enables young innovators to transform creative ideas into viable businesses capable of creating meaningful impact.
“At Wema Bank, we believe that institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond providing commercial services. We have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities, provide the right resources, enable innovation to thrive, and support the ecosystems that will shape today’s youth as well as tomorrow’s economy,” Oseni said.
He added that the bank remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology founders.
Also speaking, Wema Bank’s Divisional Executive, Business Support, Tajudeen Bakare, officially declared the application portal open and encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the programme.
He described Hackaholics as an opportunity for aspiring innovators to transform ideas into scalable ventures while contributing to the country’s growing technology ecosystem.
Participation in Hackaholics 7.0 is free and open to eligible innovators and startups.
Interested applicants can submit entries through the official Hackaholics portal, while further information on the programme will be available through the bank’s official communication channels.
