Applications are now open for the 2026 WEMA Bank Hackaholics Hackathon 7.0. This is Wema Bank’s flagship open innovation program aimed at empowering startups, innovators, creators, problem solvers and technology enthusiasts across Africa.
Over the years, Hackaholics has grown to become one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms, providing founders and innovators with access to capital, mentorship, strategic partnerships, market opportunities, and the resources they need to turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses.
• Social Impact Track – For changemakers and organizations developing solutions that address pressing social and community issues.
What you get
Successful participants will receive:
• Access to award funds and post-program support.
• Opportunity 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 for solution piloting and growth.
• Membership in an active community of founders, developers, and innovators.
• Opportunity to validate and deploy the product in a real business environment.
why is it important
Hackaholic goes beyond traditional hackathons by providing innovators with practical support to turn ideas into impactful businesses. Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling an existing solution, this program provides the funding, mentorship, industry connections, and visibility you need to accelerate growth and make a lasting impact across Africa.
Eligibility criteria
The application is open to everyone including:
• Startups and entrepreneurs
• Developers and Software Engineers
• Designers and product builders
• Student
• Young professionals
• Creatives and innovators
• Technology Enthusiast
Applicants do not need to be programmers or have a degree in computer science.
Innovation focus areas
Participants are encouraged to develop solutions in one or more of the following areas:
• Financial inclusion
• health care
• Digital transformation
• Sustainability
• Education
• Social impact
• The future of work
program track
Applicants can join one of the following tracks:
• Startup Pitch Competition – For startups and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions seeking funding, visibility and strategic partnerships.
• Hackathons – For developers, designers, engineers, and technology 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/
