A new chapter is opening for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem as the Federal Government and global tech company Ericsson unveil the Connect NextGen Hackathon, a four-month innovation challenge designed to equip young Nigerians with world-class digital skills. The launch event took place in Abuja and brought together tech experts, government officials, startup founders and students, all united behind a shared vision: position Nigeria as a global hub for digital ingenuity and problem-solving.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative reflects Nigeria’s ambitions to lead in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and next generation mobile connectivity. According to him, the hackathon is also part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding between the government and Ericsson to cultivate digital talent and build a sustainable pipeline of innovators.
The event signals a strong commitment to empowering youth with practical experience, from building mobile apps to creating solutions for smart cities and agritech. With registration running from February 11 to March 10, startups, university students, and coding enthusiasts are already lining up to be part of the future of technology in Nigeria.
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What the Hackathon Offers: Learning, Mentorship and Real World Skills
Unlike short-burst competitions, the Connect NextGen Hackathon is structured as a long-term engagement that merges competition with education. Over four months, participants will receive hands-on mentoring, access to industry experts and an intensive eight-week acceleration phase.
The programme specifically focuses on high-growth fields such as 5G technology, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable technologies. These areas are hubs of innovation globally and critical for Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
Participants will work in teams or individually to design and develop technology solutions that address real challenges facing Nigerian society. The focus extends beyond coding to problem-solving for sectors like digital inclusion, climate-friendly agriculture, smart infrastructures and more. Outstanding teams will have a chance to gain incubation support and entry into wider development networks.
This five-month programme links the competitive aspect of a hackathon with the sustained guidance and support young tech founders need to grow into sustainable tech businesses. By doing this, organisers hope the initiative will produce innovators who build products for local and global markets, increasing Nigeria’s visibility on the global tech stage.
Government and Corporate Collaboration Driving Skills Growth
The hackathon reflects a deepening collaboration between the Nigerian government and Ericsson, anchored on shared goals of digital skills development and tech-driven economic growth. As part of the partnership, the government is also launching an Ericsson Educate programme aimed at equipping policymakers and regulators with knowledge about cutting-edge technologies and digital policy.
Government officials highlighted that this partnership supports Nigeria’s wider ambition to create jobs, reduce unemployment among young people and build solutions that make life easier for citizens. Vice President Shettima emphasised that Nigeria must not be on the edge of global technological evolution but at its centre, contributing solutions instead of just consuming them.
Officials also stressed the importance of including policymakers in the learning process so that regulations and public policies are informed by a deep understanding of emerging technologies. This dual approach of training both innovators and decision-makers is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and create an environment that is fertile for innovation to thrive.
Tech industry observers say the collaboration sets a powerful example of how governments and private sector partners can work together to nurture the next generation of changemakers. With this model, young Nigerians are not just learning theory but building practical solutions that could have real economic and social impact.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Tech Future
The Connect NextGen Hackathon arrives at a crucial moment for Nigeria, where youth unemployment remains high while the demand for digital skills continues to grow across sectors like finance, agriculture, healthcare and education. By investing in practical tech education, the programme aims to close the skills gap and create career pathways in sectors that are shaping the global economy.
Rather than simply teaching coding, the hackathon encourages participants to think about solutions to local problems and how technology can drive social good. This approach mirrors global trends where innovation hubs around the world are pushing for technology that has social impact, not just commercial value.
For students and young professionals, the initiative opens doors to networks, funding opportunities, and exposure to industry leaders. The intense mentorship and acceleration phase is designed not only to foster technical skills but also to build business acumen, communication skills and confidence — all traits necessary for success in the modern tech world.
As applications continue and participants begin their journey, many tech enthusiasts are watching closely to see how the programme will shape careers and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships across Africa, demonstrating how strategic collaboration can unlock human potential and build stronger economies.
In a world where technology leadership is increasingly tied to national wealth and competitiveness, initiatives like the Connect NextGen Hackathon are vital. They help ensure that young Nigerians are not left behind in the digital revolution, but are active creators and leaders charting the future of innovation.
Connect NextGen Hackathon Nigeria represents more than a competition. It is a platform where dreams meet skills, where mentorship meets opportunity, and where Nigeria’s next generation of tech innovators will begin shaping the nation’s future.
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