Wema Bank, renowned for its innovation in banking and creator of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled the top 10 finalists for Hackaholics 5.0. After receiving over 3,500 applications, the pre-pitch event selected teams including University X, Empayment AI, and MyTherapist to compete in the grand finale on November 27, 2024. With the theme “Meta Idea: Catalysing Africa’s Growth Through Innovation,” the competition showcases groundbreaking tech-driven ideas spanning sectors such as agriculture, finance, and healthcare.
Finalists will vie for a share of the N75 million prize pool, including ₦30 million for the grand prize winner and ₦10 million for the top women-led team. Beyond financial rewards, winners will receive mentorship, networking, and resources to scale their innovations globally, potentially contributing to Africa’s socio-economic development. Babatunde Mumuni, Wema Bank’s Chief Transformation Officer, emphasized the hackathon’s role in empowering Nigerian youth and fostering solutions to the continent’s challenges.
Hackaholics 5.0, which began on April 18, 2024, toured campuses nationwide to inspire young tech enthusiasts. Mumuni described the event as a testament to Wema Bank’s dedication to innovation, highlighting the creativity and determination of Nigerian youth. As anticipation builds for the finale, the selected teams are poised to present ideas that could redefine Africa’s tech-driven future and catalyze its growth through entrepreneurship and technology.
