Forvis Mazars, a distinguished audit, tax, and consulting firm, has made a significant move to harness young technological talent through the introduction of a hackathon competition. This initiative, aimed at empowering innovators, seeks to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders who can devise solutions tailored for the financial sector. Recently launched in Lagos, the six-week hackathon invites young participants to collaborate in teams to develop innovative ideas in various fields, including audit, data analytics, data sciences, data privacy, and compliance. The excitement culminates in a grand finale scheduled for November 15, where winners will be awarded a prize of $2,000, incentivizing participants to tap into their creative potential.
At the launch event, Fiyinfolu Okedare, Director of Technology and Digital Consulting at Forvis Mazars, emphasized the competition’s role in gathering fresh and innovative perspectives from Nigerian youth, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 35. The aim is for participants to brainstorm and share creative solutions leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in audits, data analytics, and related domains. Okedare reiterated the importance of these innovations, noting that they could significantly benefit the firm’s audit clients and customers, thereby enhancing the quality of services provided in the financial sector.
The hackathon promotes inclusivity by mandating that each participating team consists of three members, ensuring diversity through the inclusion of at least one female participant and one student currently enrolled in the Nigerian educational system. This initiative not only fosters a richer brainstorming environment but also serves to engage and inspire young talent from various backgrounds, aligning with Okedare’s vision of creating a more inclusive and representative tech community. The hackathon is seen as a key opportunity for Forvis Mazars to discover and nurture potential talents for an innovation hub, where these young innovators can continue developing their ideas beyond the competition.
Simbiat Sadiq, co-founder of CyBlack, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, especially concerning its focus on encouraging women’s participation in technology-focused events. She noted that CyBlack’s mission to cultivate the talent of Black cybersecurity professionals aligns seamlessly with Forvis Mazars’ hackathon objectives. Sadiq highlighted the critical need for more women to engage in technological competitions, a sentiment reflecting a broader cultural call to action. Her advocacy for increased representation speaks to the recurring theme of women’s exclusion from such venues, which she attributes to a lack of exposure and societal norms.
Addressing the barriers that women often face in the tech arena, Sadiq emphasized the significance of intentional efforts to promote inclusivity and empowerment. The presence of events such as the hackathon can play a pivotal role in changing perceptions and encouraging women to step forward actively. She expressed optimism that these initiatives would not only aid in bridging the gender gap within the tech industry but also inspire women to take initiative based on their experiences and unique perspectives, thereby enriching the dialogue and outcomes of such competitive endeavors.
In conclusion, Forvis Mazars’ hackathon stands as a beacon of hope for fostering innovation and inclusivity in Nigeria’s tech landscape. By challenging young minds to create solutions for the financial sector and promoting female participation, the competition aligns with broader goals of diversity and empowerment. The collaboration with organizations like CyBlack further underscores the commitment to nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy individuals, particularly women, who can contribute meaningfully to industries that are rapidly evolving. As the final event approaches, the anticipation builds around the innovative ideas that will emerge, setting the stage for future technological advancement in audit and compliance solutions.
