Nigeria has taken a major step forward in empowering its young people with cutting-edge digital skills with the launch of the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon. The Federal Government, working closely with global technology leader Ericsson, has unveiled this flagship programme designed to build real-world capabilities in emerging technologies among Nigerian youths. The initiative fits squarely within the national push to strengthen the country’s technology sector and boost opportunities for young innovators.
The four-month hackathon was officially launched on February 11, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, organisers say the programme will expand access to knowledge in areas that are reshaping modern industries and daily life. Nigerian students, startup founders, and young talents from across the country are being invited to participate and contribute ideas that could spark the next wave of digital innovation.
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What Participants Stand to Gain from the Hackathon
At its core, the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon is about equipping participants with both practical and theoretical knowledge to navigate the digital landscape. Those selected to take part in the programme will go through an eight-week acceleration phase that offers mentoring and hands-on learning experiences. During this phase, participants will engage with priority technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable tech solutions.
In addition to learning, innovators will also have the chance to build solutions that address some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. Special focus areas include digital inclusion, agritech, smart cities, and sustainability efforts. Top-performing teams will not only gain recognition but also receive support through accelerators and incubation opportunities that can help turn prototypes into real products or services.
Officials say the initiative also includes a special arm geared towards policy engagement. In tandem with the hackathon, Ericsson is set to launch its Ericsson Educate programme targeted at regulators and policymakers in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The aim is to bridge the gap between innovation, policy understanding, and implementation, thereby strengthening the broader digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
How the Hackathon Ties into National Development Plans
The Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon is more than a standalone event. It is part of a larger strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to develop the digital economy, reform education, and create long-term employment opportunities for young Nigerians. By partnering with Ericsson, the Federal Government is tapping into private sector expertise to ensure that youths are equipped with skills that match global trends in technology and innovation.
This approach aligns with earlier efforts by the government to tackle youth unemployment and prepare the workforce for roles in the digital economy. Other initiatives, such as large-scale digital literacy programmes and financial literacy training targeting millions of Nigerians, reflect the continued emphasis on skills development and entrepreneurial readiness. The inclusion of hardware and software skills training in these programmes points to a coordinated effort to deepen technology capacity across different segments of society.
The participation of global partners like Ericsson also signals growing international interest in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and the potential of its young population. By offering access to mentorship, strategic networks, and knowledge in emerging technologies, initiatives like this hackathon can help position Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation in Africa.
What Young Innovators Need to Know
Young people who want to be part of the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon can apply through the official registration portal. According to organisers, the application window opened on February 11 and will run until March 10, 2026. Eligible applicants include university students, founders of early-stage startups, and other youths with innovative ideas that can be developed using modern technology platforms.
The registration site highlights the broad range of innovation domains the hackathon will support. These include telecommunications solutions that improve connectivity, FinTech tools that enhance financial inclusion, HealthTech innovations that expand access to care, AgriTech systems that boost food production, and EdTech tools that create more inclusive learning environments. Clean technology, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things-enabled systems, and sustainability-focused applications are also key areas where participants can make an impact.
For many young Nigerians, this programme represents an exciting avenue to develop skills that are in high demand locally and globally. Through expert-led mentorship, teams will receive guidance on both the technical and business aspects of their projects. There are also opportunities to connect with investors and industry partners that can help take promising ideas beyond the hackathon phase.
In a rapidly changing global economy, programmes like the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon are essential in creating a generation of thinkers and doers who can compete on the world stage. By fostering environments where young innovators can test ideas, receive mentorship, and access critical networks, Nigeria is laying the foundation for sustained growth in the technology sector and beyond.
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