NITDA Awards ₦30 Million in Prizes at AfCFTA Hackathon

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by awarding a total of ₦30 million in cash prizes to winning startups at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025. The grand finale of the event took place during the Science of Trade Conference in Lagos, celebrating groundbreaking solutions aimed at boosting intra-African e-commerce.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director of eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, Engr. Salisu Kaka, presented the award to the winning team. The “Get A1” initiative impressed the judges with its potential to navigate the regulatory landscape and contribute to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The overall winner of the hackathon, “Export Plug,” received an even more significant grand prize of ₦20 million. The representative of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr Olusegun Olutayo, Senior International Trade Policy and Law Expert Lead, Trade Enablement, presented this top honor. “Export Plug’s” solution was recognized for its comprehensive approach to enabling trade and unlocking opportunities within the African common market.

In his address, delivered by Engr. Salisu Kaka, the Director General of NITDA lauded the participating startups for their ingenuity and dedication. He specifically commended their innovative solutions, which are strategically designed to drive the growth of intra-African e-commerce, simplify the complexities of cross-border transactions, and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the essential digital tools required to compete effectively within the dynamic global marketplace.

The Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 served as a crucial platform for fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship in alignment with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area. By providing a space for startups to develop and showcase their solutions, the event aimed to accelerate the adoption of digital tools that can unlock the vast economic potential of the African continent.

He also stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the largest free trade zones globally, uniting over 1.4 billion people with a collective GDP exceeding $3 trillion.

He described the recent adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a pivotal milestone that will break down trade barriers, streamline regulations, and open new markets for businesses of all sizes.

“This Hackathon arrives at a crucial time following the African Union’s 2024 endorsement of the Digital Trade Protocol. It aims to harmonise digital regulations and eliminate trade barriers across all 54 African nations,” he added.

Inuwa stressed that while global technological advances have reshaped commerce, many African trade systems are still burdened by outdated procedures, excessive paperwork, and logistical bottlenecks. But a shift is underway, powered by innovations such as blockchain, AI, IoT, and digital platforms, which are now central to trade operations.