Wema Bank Launches Hackaholics 6.0 to Drive Tech Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Investment

Lagos, Nigeria – Wema Bank is set to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth with the launch of Hackaholics 6.0, a premier innovation programme aimed at fostering a thriving technology ecosystem. The initiative, announced by Tunde Mabawonku, Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business at Wema Bank, seeks to empower entrepreneurs, attract investment, and stimulate job creation by driving cutting-edge solutions in AI, blockchain, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and customer experience.

Tech Innovation for Economic Growth

Speaking at a recent conference in Lagos, Mabawonku emphasized that Hackaholics 6.0 aligns with the bank’s strategic vision as it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2025. The initiative builds on past successes in sectors like transportation and healthcare, reinforcing Wema Bank’s commitment to STEM education and digital transformation.

Expanding Reach Across Africa

For the first time, Hackaholics 6.0 will expand beyond Nigeria, hosting regional hackathons across the six geopolitical zones, as well as international events in Accra, Ghana, and Kigali, Rwanda. This expansion reflects the growing interest in African tech startups and positions the continent at the forefront of disruptive global innovation.

Solomon Ayodele, Head of Innovation at Wema Bank, highlighted the 2025 theme, “Steep Beyond Algorithms: Engineering Disruptive Innovation,” noting that this edition will feature a dual-track approach: one for technical talent and another for high-growth startups, with a strong focus on financial inclusion and customer experience.

Funding and Support for Startups

Since inception, Hackaholics has produced 18 winners, with Wema Bank disbursing $200,000 in grants to support their growth. Babatunde Mumuni, Chief Transformation Officer at Wema Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through financial support and accelerator programs.

“Each year, we increase the prize money to ensure that these innovators get the necessary resources to scale their solutions,” Mumuni stated.

Opportunities for Innovators

Finalists will gain access to an accelerator programme offering mentorship, funding opportunities, and industry exposure. Past participants, including Sophia Sadeeq, CEO of MyTherapistng, and Ugonna Ginigeme, CEO of FIGO, have successfully leveraged the programme to scale their businesses.

With the global startup landscape evolving rapidly, Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 6.0 presents a game-changing opportunity for African innovators to build transformative solutions and position the continent as a leader in digital and creative economies.

How to Apply

Applications are now open to tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups looking to participate in Hackaholics 6.0. For more details and to apply, visit Wema Bank’s official website.