WEMA Hackaholics 2026 | Africa’s Largest Innovation Hackathon for Startups and Tech Innovators
Are you a startup founder, software developer, entrepreneur, student, designer, or creative thinker with an innovative idea? The WEMA Hackaholics 2026 programme is now accepting applications, giving innovators across Africa the opportunity to transform their ideas into real businesses.
Organised by Wema Bank, Hackaholics has grown into one of Africa’s biggest innovation platforms, helping thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, and technology enthusiasts gain access to funding, mentorship, strategic partnerships, and business development support.
Whether you are building a fintech solution, AI product, agritech platform, health-tech innovation, educational technology, or social impact project, WEMA Hackaholics provides the resources and exposure needed to take your innovation to the next level.
If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to showcase your idea, connect with industry experts, and secure funding, this could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.
Programme Overview
- Programme: WEMA Hackaholics 2026
- Host Organisation: Wema Bank
- Programme Type: Innovation Hackathon
- Location: Africa
- Eligible Applicants: Startups, Students, Developers, Founders, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Creatives
- Application Status: Open
About WEMA Hackaholics
WEMA Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s flagship innovation programme designed to discover, support, and empower innovative individuals across Africa.
Over the past seven years, the initiative has evolved from a traditional hackathon into one of the continent’s leading startup development platforms. It has helped thousands of innovators refine their ideas, build sustainable businesses, attract investors, and create solutions that address real challenges facing African communities.
Rather than focusing solely on competition, Hackaholics provides participants with practical support that helps move innovative ideas from concept to reality.
The programme welcomes applicants from different industries and encourages collaboration between entrepreneurs, developers, designers, researchers, and business professionals.
Programme Benefits
Participants selected for WEMA Hackaholics 2026 will gain access to several valuable opportunities, including:
- Funding opportunities for outstanding innovations
- Business mentorship from experienced professionals
- Startup incubation and acceleration support
- Access to investors and funding partners
- Networking with industry leaders
- Strategic business partnerships
- Product development guidance
- Increased visibility for startups
- Brand exposure across Africa
- Professional coaching
- Pitch training
- Business growth support
- Opportunity to scale innovative ideas into successful businesses
These benefits are designed to help founders move beyond the idea stage and build sustainable businesses with long-term impact.
Why You Should Apply
Africa’s technology ecosystem continues to grow rapidly, creating new opportunities for innovators who can solve real-world problems.
By participating in WEMA Hackaholics, you can:
- Validate your business idea.
- Build a stronger startup.
- Learn from experienced mentors.
- Meet investors and venture capital partners.
- Improve your pitching skills.
- Expand your professional network.
- Gain recognition within Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
- Access opportunities that can accelerate your business growth.
Many previous participants have gone on to build successful startups after receiving support through Hackaholics.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to individuals and teams from across Africa.
The programme is ideal for:
- Startup founders
- Software developers
- University students
- Young entrepreneurs
- Tech innovators
- Product designers
- Creative problem-solvers
- Artificial Intelligence innovators
- Fintech startups
- HealthTech founders
- AgriTech innovators
- EdTech entrepreneurs
- Social impact organisations
- Digital creators
Whether your business is still an idea or already operating, Hackaholics provides opportunities for growth.
Areas of Innovation
Hackaholics welcomes innovative ideas from multiple sectors, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Agriculture Technology (AgriTech)
- Health Technology (HealthTech)
- Education Technology (EdTech)
- Climate Technology
- Digital Commerce
- Cybersecurity
- Blockchain
- Smart Cities
- Renewable Energy
- Logistics
- Business Automation
- Social Innovation
Applicants are encouraged to develop practical solutions capable of creating meaningful impact.
Seven Years of Building African Innovation
Since its launch, WEMA Hackaholics has become much more than an annual hackathon.
For over seven years, the programme has supported thousands of innovators by helping them:
- Build scalable businesses.
- Refine innovative ideas.
- Secure funding.
- Connect with experienced mentors.
- Form strategic partnerships.
- Create sustainable solutions.
The programme continues to strengthen Africa’s startup ecosystem by investing in entrepreneurs capable of solving local and global challenges.
How to Apply
Applying for WEMA Hackaholics 2026 is simple.
Step 1
Visit the official Hackaholics website.
Step 2
Choose the category that best matches your innovation.
Step 3
Create your account.
Step 4
Complete the online application form.
Step 5
Submit your innovation idea and supporting information.
Shortlisted applicants will receive further communication regarding the next stages of the programme.
Why WEMA Hackaholics Stands Out
Unlike many startup competitions, Hackaholics provides long-term support beyond the competition itself.
Participants benefit from:
- Continuous mentorship
- Investor access
- Product development support
- Business growth coaching
- Industry exposure
- Community of innovators
- Practical learning experiences
This makes Hackaholics one of the most valuable innovation programmes for entrepreneurs across Africa.
Final Thoughts
The WEMA Hackaholics 2026 programme is an excellent opportunity for ambitious innovators, startup founders, and entrepreneurs who want to build scalable businesses capable of solving Africa’s biggest challenges.
Whether your passion lies in technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, financial services, or social impact, this programme provides the tools, mentorship, funding opportunities, and industry connections needed to turn your vision into reality.
If you have an innovative idea with the potential to create positive change, don’t miss this opportunity to join one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms.
Apply today and take the next step toward building the future.
Apply Here
General Registration
https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/register
Hackathon Application
https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/hackathon
Social Impact Category
https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/social-impact
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