Wema Bank has unveiled the 7th edition of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics, introducing three competition tracks, seven innovation verticals and millions of naira in grant prizes for young Nigerian innovators.
The bank unveiled the programme during a press conference at its headquarters in Lagos yesterday.
The 2026 edition, themed: “Powering Possibilities,” will feature the Startup Pitch Competition, Hackathon and a newly introduced Social Impact Track, with applications now open through the Hackaholics portal.
The programme invites young Africans with technology-driven solutions in seven focus areas; Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Digital Transformation, Education, Sustainability, Social Impact and the Future of Work, to compete for grants and mentorship opportunities.
Following the application phase, Hackaholics 7.0 will embark on a nationwide tour covering 10 pitch centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Winners from each regional centre will advance to the grand finale, where the overall winners will be announced.
Speaking at the launch, Wema Bank‘s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and economic development.
“At Wema Bank, we believe that institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond providing commercial services. We have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities, provide the right resources, enable innovation to thrive, and support the ecosystems that will shape today’s youth as well as tomorrow’s economy,” Oseni said.
He noted that since its launch in 2019, Hackaholics has supported more than 10,000 startups, engaged over 50,000 participants, developed more than 100 technology solutions and awarded grant funding to outstanding innovators.
Also speaking, Wema Bank’s Divisional Executive, Business Support, Tajudeen Bakare, encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the programme.
“As we launch Hackaholics 7.0 today, we are opening up a new phase of opportunities for more Nigerian youth to challenge themselves, explore their creativity and become startup founders,” he said.
Hackaholics, launched in 2019, is Wema Bank’s flagship innovation platform aimed at nurturing technology-driven ideas and startups across Africa.
Participation is free, and applications are open to Nigerian youths with innovative solutions across the programme’s seven thematic areas.
