In a high-level convergence of government, global diplomacy, and private sector leadership, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Connect NextGen Hackathon at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.

The initiative, spearheaded by Tech Revolution Africa in partnership with global giants Ericsson and OPay, marks a strategic move by the Office of the Vice President to identify and accelerate the next generation of African technology startups.

Bridging the Innovation Gap

The Connect NextGen Hackathon is designed as a nationwide talent hunt and acceleration pipeline. It aims to provide early-stage founders with more than just prize money, offering a rigorous 12-week mentorship program for the top 50 shortlisted innovators.

According to David Ogebe, Co-Founder of Tech Revolution Africa and a key driver of the initiative, the program is built to transform raw ideas into “sustainable, impact-driven ventures” through direct exposure to strategic global partners.

A Convergence of Power and Policy

The launch ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to the digital economy. Representing the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Hassan Hadejia.

The international significance of the program was further highlighted by the attendance of the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, signaling a strong collaborative link between Nigerian innovation and Swedish technological expertise, particularly through the involvement of Ericsson.

The Technology Frontier

The hackathon is calling for solutions that address critical friction points in Nigeria’s primary economic sectors, including:

  • AgricTech & HealthTech: Enhancing food security and medical access.
  • FinTech & EdTech: Driving financial inclusion and digital literacy.
  • Power & Energy: Solving the nation’s perennial infrastructure challenges.

To ensure these solutions are future-proof, the program encourages the use of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cloud computing, with a heavy emphasis on Sustainability.

Timeline and Next Steps

Following the close of applications on March 10, 2026, the selection committee will move into the shortlisting phase. The chosen 50 startups will then undergo nearly three months of intensive scaling, culminating in a showcase of Nigeria’s most promising digital talent.

For the Nigerian ecosystem, the Connect NextGen Hackathon represents more than a competition; it is a clear signal that the nation’s leadership is looking toward the “NextGen” to build the digital infrastructure of tomorrow.