The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joined forces with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to empower young people across West Africa with the knowledge and skills needed to protect the region’s cyberspace. A regional cybersecurity hackathon held in Abuja, Nigeria, showcased the talent of emerging cybersecurity experts and provided a platform to identify individuals capable of tackling the growing threat of cybercrime.
The hackathon, which brought together participants from 12 West African countries, aimed to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, represented by Oladejo Olawumi, emphasized the critical role young people play in addressing cybersecurity challenges. He highlighted the need for countries to strengthen regional cooperation and adopt effective measures to safeguard key institutions from cyber threats.
“We must harness the creativity and potential of our youth to address the pressing challenges of cybercrime. NITDA is committed to supporting initiatives like this that offer pathways to employment and growth for young talent in the tech sector,” said Olawumi.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of protecting the region’s digital infrastructure. He underscored the importance of collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations to foster a secure and resilient cyberspace. “This hackathon exemplifies the power of innovation and teamwork in addressing regional cybersecurity challenges. It is not just about competition but about nurturing creativity to drive meaningful change,” Touray remarked.
The competition, the third in its series, rewarded participants with cash prizes and laptops. Côte d’Ivoire’s Shell X Roots team claimed first place, earning $10,000 and laptops for its members. Benin’s M3V7R team secured second place with a prize of $8,000, while Nigeria’s TeamERROR took third place, receiving $6,000.
A standout moment of the event was the recognition of Hannah Bangoura from Sierra Leone, who won the Best Female Participant award, highlighting the increasing role of women in the cybersecurity sector.
During the opening ceremony, NITDA’s Inuwa praised ECOWAS for fostering regional unity and cooperation on cybersecurity. He noted that the hackathon serves as a powerful symbol of collaboration among member states, essential in the face of increasingly sophisticated and transnational cyber threats. “Global cybersecurity demands partnerships across borders. This hackathon is part of the solution to the growing gap in the cybersecurity workforce,” he said.
The event coincided with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, during which NITDA conducted public outreach to raise awareness of the latest cyber threats and preventive measures. Over 1,500 teams participated in the competition, including 139 female-led teams, with 1,362 female participants out of 5,341, underscoring the significant contributions women are making to cybersecurity in West Africa.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, Seido Douko, praised the dedication of the participants, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in overcoming cybersecurity challenges. “This event symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and creativity needed to build a robust and resilient cyber ecosystem across West Africa,” Douko stated.
The 30-hour hackathon brought together over 40 young tech enthusiasts from across the region, showcasing their talent and determination to address cybersecurity issues affecting West Africa.
