- Wema Bank launched applications for Hackaholics 2026, its open-innovation programme open to startups and innovators across Africa
- The programme runs three participation tracks — a Hackathon, Startup Pitch Competition, and Social Impact Track — each targeting different skill levels
- Selected participants can access funding, expert mentorship, strategic partnerships, and a spot in an accelerator programme at no cost
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
Wema Bank has opened applications for its Hackaholics 2026 programme, giving African entrepreneurs, developers, designers, students and social innovators a platform to build solutions to real-world problems.
The 2026 edition carries the theme “Powering Possibilities” and is structured around three distinct participation tracks, catering to individuals at different stages, whether they are developing a raw idea, running an early-stage startup, or working on a project with social or environmental impact.
Photo: Wema bank
Source: Getty Images
Wema Bank Opens Hackaholics
Selected participants will have access to opportunities including:
- Funding and growth support
- Expert mentorship
- Business development support
- Strategic partnerships
- Market access
- Visibility within the innovation ecosystem
- Community and networking opportunities
- Participation in an accelerator programme for selected participants
The programme is free to apply for and participate in, with no registration fees or hidden participation costs.
Who Can Apply?
Hackaholics is open to a wide range of participants, including:
- Young entrepreneurs
- Startup founders
- Developers
- Designers
- Product thinkers
- Technology enthusiasts
- Students
- Professionals
- Creatives
- Social innovators
Applicants do not need to be programmers or have a Computer Science degree to participate.
Three Ways to Participate
Hackaholics 2026 has three participation tracks designed for applicants with different skills, ideas and levels of business development, MSME reports.
1. Hackathon
The Hackathon is designed for developers, designers, engineers and builders who can create technology-driven solutions to real-world problems.
Applicants can participate individually or as a team and will be required to provide information about their expertise, proposed challenge area and portfolio or GitHub profile.
2. Startup Pitch Competition
The Startup Pitch Competition is designed for early-stage ventures with a live product or prototype.
Founders will showcase their solutions, explain their unique value proposition and demonstrate how their businesses address real problems.
Applicants are required to provide a link to their solution prototype and may also submit a pitch deck.
3. Social Impact Track
The Social Impact Track is designed for solutions addressing social, environmental and community challenges.
The track allows changemakers to develop and showcase innovations capable of creating meaningful social impact.
Photo: Nurphoto
Source: Getty Images
What Can You Build?
Hackaholics is seeking solutions that address challenges in areas including:
- Financial inclusion
- Healthcare
- Digital transformation
- Sustainability
- Education
- Social impact
- Future of work
The 2026 programme follows a six-stage pathway:
- Applications
- Shortlisting
- Design-thinking sessions
- Pitch sessions
- Grand finale
- Accelerator programme
Why Apply?
Wema Bank says the programme has supported thousands of innovators and startups over the years, with participants gaining access to funding, mentorship, partnerships, visibility and opportunities to scale.
Interested applicants should check the official Hackaholics application portal for the current deadline, as the public programme page does not clearly state a closing date.
Interested applicants can review the available tracks and submit their applications through the official Wema Bank Hackaholics website.
Application link: Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026 application portal.
Source: Legit.ng