By Peace Udugba
Wema Bank has officially launched the seventh edition of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics, introducing three competition tracks, seven innovation verticals and millions of naira in grant prizes for young innovators and startups across Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos.
First launched in 2019, Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s innovation platform aimed at discovering, nurturing and supporting young Africans with technology-driven ideas capable of addressing real-world challenges. The initiative has become one of Nigeria’s leading innovation programmes, empowering startups and promoting entrepreneurship.
According to the bank, the initiative has supported more than 10,000 startups, engaged over 50,000 participants, developed more than 100 innovative solutions from scratch and awarded over $500,000 in grant funding to outstanding innovators over the past six editions.
The 2026 edition, themed “Powering Possibilities,” will begin with an open call for applications from innovators with technology-based solutions across seven focus areas: Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Digital Transformation, Education, Sustainability, Social Impact and the Future of Work.
Applicants are expected to register through the Hackaholics portal under one of three categories: the Startup Pitch Competition, the Hackathon or the newly introduced Social Impact Track.
Following the application phase, the programme will embark on a nationwide tour covering 10 pitch centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Successful participants from each regional pitch event will advance to the grand finale, where the overall winners will emerge.
Speaking at the launch, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to promoting innovation, youth empowerment and economic development across Africa.
He said institutions have responsibilities beyond providing financial services, stressing that they must also create opportunities, provide resources and support ecosystems that enable innovation to thrive.
According to Oseni, Hackaholics represents the bank’s investment in the next generation of innovators while strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and providing young people with a platform to transform creative ideas into impactful solutions.
Also speaking, the bank’s Divisional Executive, Business Support, Tajudeen Bakare, officially declared the application portal open and encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative.
He said Hackaholics 7.0 offers aspiring innovators an opportunity to showcase their creativity, build successful startups and contribute to solving societal challenges through technology.
Bakare expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs while fostering an ecosystem where innovation and enterprise can flourish.
Wema Bank noted that participation in Hackaholics 7.0 is free and open to all Nigerian youths with innovative technology-driven ideas. Interested startups and innovators are encouraged to submit their applications through the official Hackaholics portal, while updates on the programme will be available on the bank’s website and official social media platforms.
