Applications are now open for the 2026 WEMA Bank Hackaholics Hackathon 7.0, Wema Bank’s flagship open innovation program designed to empower startups, innovators, creatives, problem-solvers, and technology enthusiasts across Africa.
Over the years, Hackaholics has grown into one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms, providing founders and innovators with access to funding, mentorship, strategic partnerships, market opportunities, and the resources needed to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses.
• Social Impact Track – For changemakers and organisations developing solutions that address pressing social and community issues.
What You’ll Gain
Successful participants will receive:
• Access to prize funding and post-programme support
• Opportunities to raise investment and scale innovative solutions
• Mentorship from experienced founders, industry leaders, and experts
• Exposure to investors, corporate partners, and the broader innovation ecosystem
• Strategic partnerships to pilot and grow solutions
• Membership in a thriving community of founders, developers, and innovators
• Opportunities to validate and deploy products in real business environments
Why It Matters
Hackaholics goes beyond a traditional hackathon by providing innovators with practical support to transform ideas into impactful businesses. Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling an existing solution, the programme offers the funding, mentorship, industry connections, and visibility needed to accelerate growth and create lasting impact across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to everyone, including:
• Startups and entrepreneurs
• Developers and software engineers
• Designers and product builders
• Students
• Young professionals
• Creatives and innovators
• Technology enthusiasts
Applicants do not need to be programmers or hold a Computer Science degree to participate.
Innovation Focus Areas
Participants are encouraged to develop solutions in one or more of the following sectors:
• Financial Inclusion
• Healthcare
• Digital Transformation
• Sustainability
• Education
• Social Impact
• Future of Work
Program Track
Applicants can participate in any of the following tracks:
• Startup Pitch Competition – For startups and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions seeking funding, visibility, and strategic partnerships.
• Hackathon – For developers, designers, engineers, and tech builders creating technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Hackaholics portal:
https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/
