The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have joined forces to equip young people across West Africa with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect the region’s cyberspace. This collaboration was highlighted during a regional Cybersecurity Hackathon held in Abuja, showcasing the talent and potential of youth from 12 West African countries.
The event, which is part of ongoing efforts to combat the rising threat of cybercrime in the region, identified and nurtured cybersecurity experts capable of defending critical institutions. The hackathon attracted 1,500 teams, including 139 teams led by female captains, and featured a 30-hour competition where young tech enthusiasts demonstrated their skills.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, represented by Oladejo Olawumi, stressed the importance of harnessing the creativity of youth to address cybersecurity challenges, stating, “By harnessing the energy and creativity of our youth, we can effectively fight cybercrime and prevent them from engaging in criminal activities.”
On his part, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the urgency of protecting the region’s cyberspace and highlighted the collaboration between ECOWAS, NITDA, governments, the private sector, and academia in making the event a success.
“As technology continues to evolve, mere vigilance is no longer enough. To stay ahead of emerging threats, we must foster adaptability, creativity, and collaboration across borders,” Touray said.
The competition saw TeamERROR from Nigeria win third place, receiving $6,000 and laptops, while the M3V7R team from Benin Republic came second with $8,000 and laptops. The first prize went to Shell X Roots from Cote d’Ivoire, who won $10,000 and laptops. The event also recognized Hannah Bangoura from Sierra Leone as the Best Female Participant, underscoring the growing influence of women in West Africa’s cybersecurity sector.
In addition to the competition, the event provided training programs sponsored by donors and partners to further enhance the participants’ skills. The hackathon coincided with the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aiming to educate the public about current cyber threats and how to stay safe.
