WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program for Nigerians (₦200m Prizes)

The WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program 2026 is officially open, and it is one of the largest innovation competitions in Nigeria, offering up to ₦200 million in cash prizes, mentorship, and direct access to one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking banks.

If you are a developer, tech startup founder, product designer, or innovator looking to scale your idea, gain visibility, and attract funding, the Hackaholics Hackathon by Wema Bank is an opportunity you should not ignore.

Beyond the prize money, this program provides hands-on training, mentorship from industry leaders, access to banking APIs, and potential job or partnership opportunities with Wema Bank and its ecosystem.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, program stages, and a step-by-step application process.

WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program 2026 Summary

Host: Wema Bank Plc
Category: Competitions | Training
Eligible Country: Nigeria
Reward: ₦200 Million Cash Prizes | Training | Mentorship
Mode: Hybrid (Virtual & Physical)
Deadline: Not Specified
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About WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program 2026

The Hackaholics Hackathon is Wema Bank’s flagship innovation program designed to identify, nurture, and fund tech-driven solutions that solve real-world problems across finance, payments, digital banking, business automation, and emerging technologies.

Hackaholics brings together:

Software developers
Product designers
Startup founders
Data scientists
Innovators and problem-solvers

from across Nigeria to collaborate, compete, and build impactful digital products.

As one of Nigeria’s oldest banks with a strong digital transformation focus, Wema Bank uses Hackaholics to drive innovation while empowering young Nigerians to become job creators, not job seekers.

WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program 2026

Why the WEMA Bank Hackathon Matters

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is growing rapidly, but access to funding, mentorship, and enterprise partnerships remains a major challenge for many innovators.

The WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program bridges this gap by:

Providing non-equity funding opportunities
Connecting innovators directly with bank executives and investors
Offering real-world use cases and APIs
Supporting solutions that can scale nationally and globally

This is not just a hackathon, it is a launchpad for high-potential startups and tech talents.

Eligibility Requirements for WEMA Bank Hackaholics Program 2026

To apply for the Wema Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Commit to participating throughout the entire duration of the program
Be available for both virtual and physical sessions (hybrid format)
Be open to sharing business or solution data for mentorship and evaluation
Demonstrate readiness to engage with partners, customers, and investors
Assign at least one founder or senior decision-maker to actively participate
Have a clear, tech-driven solution addressing real-world challenges

Teams can consist of a maximum of three (3) members.

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Duration and Rewards of WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program

i. ₦200 Million Cash Prizes & Funding

Winning teams stand a chance to receive cash rewards totaling up to ₦200 million, providing capital to refine, launch, and scale their solutions.

ii. Mentorship from Industry Experts

Participants gain access to top professionals in banking, fintech, and technology, receiving guidance on:

Product-market fit
Business models
Regulatory compliance
Scaling strategies

iii. Access to Bank APIs & Tech Tools

Build and test solutions using Wema Bank’s APIs and digital infrastructure, giving you real enterprise-level exposure.

iv. Recognition & National Exposure

Finalists present their solutions to industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers, increasing visibility and credibility.

v. Internship & Job Opportunities

Outstanding participants may receive internship placements or employment opportunities with Wema Bank’s innovation and technology teams.

vi. Career & Networking Opportunities

Connect with:

Tech founders
Investors
Startup mentors
Financial institutions

Program Structure of WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics

Stage 1: Application Phase

Developers, designers, and innovators submit applications detailing:

Their solution idea
Problem statement
Team details

Stage 2: Regional Preliminaries

Shortlisted teams compete across different regions while refining their ideas under expert mentorship.

Stage 3: Final Day Demo

Top teams pitch their solutions to a panel of:

Bank executives
Fintech leaders
Technology experts

Stage 4: Grand Finale

Winning teams receive:

Cash prizes
Funding
Long-term mentorship
Potential collaboration opportunities with Wema Bank

How to Apply for WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps carefully to submit a successful application:

Visit the official Hackaholics website
Click “Register Now”
Fill in your solution details
Add your team members’ information (maximum of 3)
Review your application carefully
Submit and await confirmation via email

Early application is strongly advised, as the program is highly competitive.

Who Should Apply for This Program?

The WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program is ideal for:

Software developers with innovative ideas
Early-stage startup founders
Fintech and digital banking innovators
UI/UX designers and product managers
Tech-enabled SMEs looking to scale
Students and recent graduates with viable tech solutions

If you are passionate about technology, innovation, and problem-solving, this program is for you.

Why This Program Is Highly Competitive

Massive ₦200 million prize pool
Backing from a top Nigerian bank
Limited slots for finalists
High interest from Nigeria’s tech ecosystem
Opportunity for real funding and partnerships

Only solutions with clear value propositions, scalability, and execution potential stand out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting vague or unclear solution ideas
Ignoring scalability and market demand
Failing to assign a committed team leader
Missing application details or deadlines
Overcomplicating the solution without real-world relevance

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection

Clearly define the problem you are solving
Show how your solution aligns with banking or digital transformation
Demonstrate market potential and scalability
Highlight your team’s skills and experience
Prepare a concise but compelling pitch

Is the WEMA Bank Hackathon Worth It?

Absolutely.

Even if you do not win the top prize, participants gain:

Mentorship
Industry exposure
Valuable feedback
Networking opportunities
Career and funding prospects

For innovators and startups in Nigeria, Hackaholics is one of the most valuable hackathons available.

FAQs

1. Is the Hackaholics Program only for developers?

No. Designers, founders, and innovators are also encouraged to apply.

2. Can students apply?

Yes, students with strong and viable solutions are eligible.

3. Is there an application fee?

No, the program is free to apply.

4. Do I need a registered company?

Not necessarily. Early-stage teams and individuals can apply.

5. Can I apply as an individual?

Yes, but teams of up to three members are allowed.

Conclusion

The WEMA Bank Hackathon Hackaholics Program 2026 is more than a competition—it is a gateway to funding, mentorship, and long-term growth in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

If you have a powerful idea, the skills to execute it, and the ambition to scale, this is your chance to turn innovation into impact.

Apply early, prepare thoroughly, and take advantage of this once-in-a-year opportunity.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Deadline: Not Specified

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