Wema Bank has officially opened applications for Hackaholics 2026 (also referred to as Hackaholics 7.0), its flagship open innovation programme. Themed “Powering Possibilities”, this edition invites startups, developers, designers, students, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers across Africa to build technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges.
Hackaholics has grown into one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms since its launch in 2019. It has engaged tens of thousands of participants, supported thousands of startups and innovators, developed over 100 solutions from scratch, and provided significant funding and mentorship support. The 2026 edition aims to go even further by expanding access, introducing a dedicated Social Impact track, and offering substantial prizes, funding, and growth opportunities.
What is WEMA Bank Hackaholics?
Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s premier programme designed to discover, support, and scale innovative ideas. Participants gain access to funding, mentorship from industry experts, strategic partnerships, visibility, community, and pathways to further acceleration. The programme is completely free to apply for and participate in there are no registration fees or hidden costs.
Three Tracks to Choose From
Applicants can enter one of three tracks:
- Startup Pitch Competition For early-stage ventures with a live product or prototype. Ideal for founders seeking visibility, partnerships, and growth support.
- Hackathon: A timed build challenge open to developers, designers, engineers, and product thinkers creating technology-driven solutions.
- Social Impact Track: For changemakers and organisations building solutions that tackle pressing social, environmental, or community challenges.
Focus Areas (Verticals)
Solutions should address one or more of these key areas:
- Financial Inclusion
- Healthcare
- Digital Transformation
- Education
- Sustainability
- Social Impact
- Future of Work
Whether you’re working in fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, AI, or any other sector, there’s room for your idea.
Programme Benefits
Successful participants stand to gain:
- Share of a prize pool of up to ₦200 million in prizes, funding, mentorship, and business support
- Mentorship from industry experts and business leaders
- Business development and go-to-market support
- Opportunities to scale across Africa
- Access to the broader Hackaholics ecosystem, including potential progression into the Accelerator Programme
Past participants have gone on to secure further funding, join prestigious programmes, and scale their solutions.
Who Can Apply?
Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a programmer or hold a computer science degree. Students, young entrepreneurs, professionals, developers, designers, and founders are all encouraged to apply. The programme particularly welcomes Nigerian youth and innovators across Africa with scalable, technology-driven ideas.
Programme Roadmap
1. Applications
2. Shortlisting
3. Design Thinking Sessions
4. Pitch Sessions (including a national tour with multiple pitch centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones)
5. Grand Finale
6. Accelerator Programme
7. Ongoing Mentorship
How to Apply
Interested Applicants who wish to apply should visit the official portal using the Link provided 👉 Here
1. Click “Apply Now”
2. Select your preferred track
3. Complete the application form with details about your solution and team
4. Submit
Applications are currently open. Exact deadlines may be updated on the official site, so apply early and monitor the portal for announcements about pitch centres and next steps.
Why Participate?
Hackaholics is more than a competition—it is a structured pathway from idea to impact. Wema Bank, as a pioneer of digital banking in Africa (through ALAT), is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators who can solve real problems and drive economic and social progress.
If you have an idea, a prototype, or a vision for change, this is your opportunity to turn it into something scalable with the backing of one of Nigeria’s most innovative banks.
Stay updated by following SeedufyTech.com for pitch centre schedules, deadlines, and programme news.
