Paragraph 1: Unleashing the Power of AfCFTA through Digital Innovation
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds immense potential for transforming Africa’s economic landscape. Nigeria, recognizing the importance of fully harnessing this potential, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to propel the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. This initiative, the first-ever AfCFTA Hackathon in Nigeria, aims to leverage the ingenuity and dynamism of Nigerian youth to develop innovative digital solutions that can unlock the vast opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. With a grand prize of N20 million, the Hackathon seeks to inspire and incentivize the creation of cutting-edge technologies that will drive digital trade across the continent. This bold move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in the burgeoning field of African digital trade.
Paragraph 2: A Collaborative Ecosystem for Digital Transformation
The AfCFTA Hackathon is not just a competition; it’s a collaborative ecosystem designed to foster innovation and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. Spearheaded by the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office under the leadership of Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, the Hackathon has garnered support from a diverse range of partners, including Cherith-Code Concept Ltd, Ascend Studios Foundation, Amazon Web Services, GFA Technologies, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Real Sources Africa. This collaborative approach brings together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as the tech community, to create a synergistic environment that fosters innovation and accelerates the adoption of digital trade solutions.
Paragraph 3: Empowering Nigerian Youth to Lead the Digital Trade Revolution
The AfCFTA Hackathon is specifically designed to empower Nigerian youth, who are seen as key drivers of innovation and technological advancement. By providing a platform for young innovators to showcase their talent and develop practical solutions for digital trade, the Hackathon aims to create a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who can lead Africa’s digital transformation. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating opportunities for young people. The Hackathon will not only provide financial rewards but also offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that can help young innovators turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Paragraph 4: A Flagship Event at the Science of Trade Conference 2025
The inaugural AfCFTA Hackathon is scheduled to take place from May 1st to 3rd, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial and technological hub. This high-impact event will be a key highlight of the Science of Trade Conference 2025, hosted by Ascend Studios Foundation. The conference provides a strategic platform for stakeholders in the trade and technology sectors to converge, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions for promoting trade and economic development. The Hackathon, as a flagship event of the conference, will showcase the cutting-edge technologies being developed to facilitate digital trade and will serve as a catalyst for accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
Paragraph 5: Driving the Implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol
The AfCFTA Hackathon represents a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey towards embracing digital trade. It is the first initiative of its kind on the continent, specifically designed to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. By focusing on practical innovations, the Hackathon aims to address the real-world challenges of digital trade and create solutions that can be readily adopted by businesses and governments across Africa. This initiative builds on the success of previous AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol workshops held in Lagos and Abuja, which laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the protocol and its implications for the continent’s digital economy.
Paragraph 6: A Continental Collaboration with High-Level Participation
The AfCFTA Hackathon has garnered significant attention and support from key stakeholders across the continent. Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, is expected to attend the Science of Trade Conference 2025 as a special guest. His presence underscores the importance of the Hackathon in advancing the AfCFTA’s digital trade agenda. Mr. Mene will deliver a keynote address, participate in the Hackathon Jury Panel, and provide mentorship and strategic policy guidance to the participants. This high-level engagement demonstrates the commitment of the AfCFTA Secretariat to fostering innovation and driving the adoption of digital trade solutions across Africa. The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office has extended an open invitation to all stakeholders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to participate in this historic event and contribute to shaping the future of digital trade in Africa.
