The third edition of the ECOWAS Hackathon commenced on October 15, 2024, in Abuja. The event has attracted 44 young individuals, aged between 18 and 35, from 11 ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania. These participants will engage in a “catch the flag” hackathon lasting 30 hours. This competition is designed to develop and refine cybersecurity skills by finding as many flags as possible within the given timeframe.
Organized by ECOWAS in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on behalf of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, this event plays a significant role in advancing West Africa’s digital economy. It aims to promote innovation, collaboration, and learning—key factors for growth and development.
The annual competition provides a platform for young talents to demonstrate their skills in cybersecurity technology within a controlled environment. Participants are tasked with presenting innovative solutions to challenges in cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Sédiko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, officially opened the hackathon. He encouraged participants to uphold good sportsmanship while reaffirming ECOWAS’ dedication to enhancing regional cybersecurity.
“We are committed to nurturing the digital potential of our youth, ensuring that West Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy,” Mr. Douka stated. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to secure cyberspace across the region.
The ECOWAS Hackathon serves as an important platform for identifying and promoting tech talent in West Africa. Participants are expected to innovate and contribute significantly to strengthening cybersecurity resilience within the region.
