Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised the organizers of the ongoing AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, describing the initiative as a transformative innovation that aligns with the state’s economic development objectives.
The commendation was made on Thursday at the 2025 Science of Trade (SOT) Conference in Lagos, which included the AfCFTA Hackathon as a key feature.
About AfCFTA Hackathon 2025:
The AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 stands as one of the continent’s most ambitious initiatives to harness digital innovation in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Organized as a continental competition, the hackathon aims to empower young tech talents across Africa to develop solutions that address real-world challenges hampering trade integration, logistics, customs, and digital commerce.
The 2025 edition of the hackathon focuses on “Technology for Trade”. It challenges developers, startups, students, and entrepreneurs to build scalable, tech-driven solutions that:
- Facilitate cross-border payments and digital financial inclusion
- Improve customs and logistics processes across African borders
- Enhance trade data management and supply chain transparency
- Support SMEs in accessing intra-African markets
- Drive e-commerce and digital identity for trade participants
This initiative not only aligns with the broader economic integration goals of AfCFTA but also underscores the vital role of the digital economy in Africa’s development.
Participation:
Countries from across Africa, including Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and others, have sent forward-thinking teams to compete in the hackathon. Participants include developers, tech startups, university students, and policy innovators, selected through national and regional qualifying rounds.
The competition fosters pan-African collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange across borders and uniting diverse perspectives toward a shared vision of economic transformation.
Prize and Support:
A total prize pool of ₦20 million (approximately $13,000 USD) will be awarded to the top teams, with cash prizes, incubation support, and opportunities for mentorship from global tech and trade leaders. In addition to the prize money, winning solutions may receive support for scaling and implementation through AfCFTA member states and international partners.
Representing the Governor, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described Lagos as a vibrant, youth-led center for technological innovation. While engaging with participants, the Commissioner pledged Lagos State’s backing for the ultimate winner of the AfCFTA Hackathon 2025.
She also applauded the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office for its forward-thinking initiative, noting its alignment with the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aimed at enhancing intra-African trade.
Furthermore, she reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting the Coordination Office in delivering on its presidential mandate to implement the AfCFTA agenda.
Mr Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert and Lead at the Coordination Office, urged participants to design cutting-edge technological solutions that boost regional trade and streamline cross-border transactions throughout Africa.
He described the initiative as a high-impact effort aimed at accelerating digital trade in Nigeria and across the continent, while advancing the practical implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. He added that the Hackathon demonstrates the power of technology to bridge divides, simplify trade processes, and propel Africa’s digital economic integration.