Wema Bank Unveils Hackaholics 7.0, Introduces Three Tracks, Seven Innovation Verticals and Multi-Million Naira Grant Opportunities | Blissful Affairs Online
Lagos, Nigeria – July 1, 2026
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially launched the seventh edition of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics. The announcement was made during a press conference held on July 1, 2026, at the Bank’s Head Office in Lagos.
Since its inception in 2019, Hackaholics has evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading innovation platforms dedicated to discovering, nurturing and empowering young Africans with transformative technology-driven ideas. The initiative provides aspiring innovators and startups with the platform, mentorship, exposure and financial support needed to transform innovative concepts into viable businesses.
Over the past six editions, Hackaholics has recorded remarkable achievements, supporting more than 10,000 startups, engaging over 50,000 participants, developing more than 100 innovative solutions from scratch and awarding over $500,000 in grant funding to outstanding innovators. With the launch of Hackaholics 7.0, Wema Bank is set to deliver its biggest and most impactful edition yet.
The 2026 edition, themed “Powering Possibilities,” begins with an open call for applications from young Nigerian innovators developing technology-driven solutions across seven strategic sectors: Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Digital Transformation, Education, Sustainability, Social Impact, and the Future of Work.
Applicants are required to register through the Hackaholics portal under any of the three available tracks:
Startup Pitch Competition
Hackathon
Social Impact Track (newly introduced)
Following the application phase, Hackaholics 7.0 will embark on a nationwide innovation tour covering 10 pitch centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These regional pitch events will provide innovators the opportunity to showcase their ideas, compete for regional recognition and qualify for the grand finale, where the overall winners will emerge.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering young innovators and strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
“At Wema Bank, we believe our responsibility goes beyond providing financial services. We are committed to creating opportunities, enabling innovation, providing the right resources and supporting ecosystems that will shape the future of Africa’s economy. This commitment has driven the remarkable growth of Hackaholics over the past seven years. Through this initiative, we continue to invest in the next generation of innovators, inspire life-changing solutions and empower young people to transform their creativity into meaningful impact,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Wema Bank’s Divisional Executive, Business Support, Tajudeen Bakare, officially declared the application portal open and encouraged Nigerian youths to seize the opportunity.
“Hackaholics 7.0 represents another exciting opportunity for young Nigerians to unlock their creative potential, develop innovative solutions and build successful startups. We encourage every aspiring innovator to take advantage of this platform as we continue to foster an environment where innovation thrives, opportunities expand and young people are empowered to shape the future,” he stated.
Participation in Hackaholics 7.0 is free of charge and open to Nigerian youths with innovative technology-driven ideas and solutions.
Interested innovators and startups can submit their applications through the Hackaholics portal. Updates throughout the programme will be available on Wema Bank’s official website and across its social media platforms.
One important correction: the original release states “$500,000,000 in grant prizes” (US$500 million), but based on the surrounding context and previous Hackaholics announcements, that figure appears unusually high and is likely intended to be “$500,000”. If you’re publishing this, it’s worth confirming the correct amount with Wema Bank before going to print.
