A new wave of innovation is sweeping through Nigeria’s tech ecosystem as the CareNest App, a maternal health tracking platform, emerges as one of the standout projects at the ongoing Codefest NigHack ’25, Africa’s largest hackathon and a Guinness World Record–certified official attempt.
Developed by a passionate team of young innovators under the banner CareNest Team, the project is competing under the HealthTech category, with a mission to redefine how expectant mothers monitor, manage, and access maternal healthcare in Nigeria.
With over 5,000 participants and a ₦5 million prize pool, the 2025 edition of Codefest is themed “Build for Nigeria” — a challenge to African innovators to create solutions that address local problems with global relevance.
A Tech Solution Born from Urgency
Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 82,000 Nigerian women die annually from preventable pregnancy-related causes. Limited access to prenatal care, delays in emergency response, and poor data tracking remain key barriers.
The CareNest App was born out of this harsh reality. It is a digital maternal health companion designed to support expectant mothers through every stage of pregnancy — from conception to delivery and postnatal care.
The app features personalized health tracking, appointment reminders, emergency contact tools, and health education resources that bridge the gap between mothers and qualified medical professionals.
“Our mission is simple but powerful,” said the CareNest Team Lead during an interview at the event. “We want to ensure that no woman dies while giving life. CareNest leverages mobile technology to make critical maternal health information and emergency support available at the touch of a button.”
How It Works: Technology Meets Empathy
The CareNest App integrates a data-driven health management system powered by AI-assisted reminders and cloud-based records. Expectant mothers can log symptoms, receive personalized alerts, and connect to certified healthcare providers.
Its offline functionality makes it accessible even in low-connectivity areas, an essential feature for rural communities. The app also aims to integrate with Nigeria’s emerging National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) database for easy verification and tracking.
“We designed CareNest with inclusivity at its core,” said one of the project’s developers. “Our mothers deserve the same technological advantage available to women in more developed countries — and we are building that bridge right here, in Nigeria.”
Codefest NigHack ’25: The Birthplace of Innovation
Codefest Africa, the organizer of NigHack, has become a leading hub for African innovation, nurturing startups that use technology to solve real human problems. This year’s event, held in partnership with HackTribe and Globus Bank, is not only the largest hackathon on the continent but also an official Guinness World Record attempt for participation volume.
“Codefest is Africa’s answer to Silicon Valley’s culture of innovation,” said Tosin Adebayo, a member of the organizing committee. “We’re cultivating a generation of problem-solvers who are building solutions for Africans, by Africans.”
Voting for competing projects — including CareNest — runs from October 8 to October 30, 2025, with each vote costing ₦100. The Expo and Award Ceremony are scheduled for November 20, 2025, where winners will be honored for innovation, scalability, and impact.
Votes can be cast through Globus Bank, Account Name: Codefest Nigeria Hackathon, Account Number: 0069047587.
The Societal Impact: Saving Mothers, Building Communities
The potential impact of CareNest on Nigerian society is profound. In many rural and low-income urban communities, expectant mothers rely on limited health information and informal care systems. The app’s introduction could drastically improve maternal survival rates, reduce delays in seeking care, and strengthen data collection for healthcare providers and government agencies.
Public health expert Dr. Chidinma Opara, speaking on the app’s prospects, observed:
“Maternal health outcomes are often dictated by information gaps. A tool like CareNest can serve as a critical link between healthcare systems and the women who need them most. It’s not just a mobile app — it’s a lifeline.”
The CareNest Team is already in discussions with NGOs and public health institutions to pilot the app across selected states in Nigeria, targeting up to 10,000 mothers in the first rollout phase.
Beyond Technology: Building Trust and Awareness
CareNest’s success will depend not only on technology but also on community adoption. The developers have included features such as local language support, voice-based prompts, and SMS integration for users without smartphones.
“Accessibility is key,” the developers noted. “We’re designing CareNest so that every woman — whether in a rural village or a city — can use it effortlessly.”
The app also plans to collaborate with midwives and local health workers, ensuring that technology complements traditional care models rather than replacing them.
Economic and Developmental Impact
The economic implications of innovations like CareNest extend beyond healthcare. By improving maternal survival and child health, such tools contribute to workforce stability, reduce healthcare costs, and boost productivity.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria loses billions annually due to poor maternal health outcomes. By preventing avoidable deaths and improving prenatal monitoring, the CareNest model supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
“Each life saved contributes to a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Dr. Tolu Adeyemi, a development economist. “CareNest represents how technology can drive not just health outcomes, but also long-term social and economic transformation.”
Looking Ahead: Scaling Beyond Nigeria
While currently focused on Nigeria, the CareNest Team envisions scaling their innovation across Africa — particularly in regions facing similar maternal health challenges. Discussions are underway to collaborate with organizations like UNFPA, African Development Bank (AfDB), and AUDA-NEPAD to expand access.
“Our dream is to make CareNest Africa’s maternal health guardian,” said the team’s spokesperson. “From Kano to Kigali, we want every woman to feel cared for, informed, and safe.”
A Generation Building for Nigeria
The emergence of CareNest embodies the broader vision behind Codefest NigHack ’25 — empowering a generation of innovators to take ownership of Africa’s challenges.
“This is the spirit of ‘Build for Nigeria,’” said Codefest’s Event Director, in his closing remarks. “We’re witnessing the birth of ideas that will shape our nation’s future — and CareNest stands as a shining example of how empathy and technology can unite to save lives.”
About the Hackathon
- Event: Codefest NigHack ’25
- Organizer: Codefest Africa
- Partners: HackTribe, Globus Bank
- Voting Period: 8th – 30th October, 2025
- Expo Date: 20th November, 2025
- Category: HealthTech
- Project: CareNest App (Maternal Health Tracker)
- Prize Pool: ₦5,000,000
- Participants: 5,000+ Innovators
Final Word
In a continent where maternal mortality remains a devastating reality, the CareNest App stands as a beacon of innovation, compassion, and progress. It is a reminder that technology built with purpose can save lives — and that the future of African healthcare lies in the hands of its own creative minds.
“CareNest is not just our project,” the team concluded. “It’s a promise to every mother — that her journey matters, her safety matters, and her life matters.”
