Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0: Apply and Win Funding, Mentorship, and Partnerships
Applications open for Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0 across Africa
African entrepreneurs, innovators and technology enthusiasts now have a fresh opportunity to accelerate their ideas as Wema Bank officially opens applications for Hackaholics 7.0, its flagship innovation programme aimed at supporting startups and problem-solvers across the continent.
The programme has grown into one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms, helping founders transform ideas into scalable businesses through funding opportunities, expert mentorship, strategic partnerships and increased market visibility. Whether applicants are launching a startup, building a digital solution or creating social impact initiatives, Hackaholics 7.0 is designed to provide the resources needed to move from concept to commercial success.
Unlike many innovation competitions, the programme welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, making it accessible to entrepreneurs, students, professionals and creators regardless of their technical expertise.
What Is Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0?
Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s flagship open innovation initiative focused on identifying and nurturing innovative solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.
The programme brings together entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, engineers, designers and changemakers, providing a collaborative platform where ideas can be refined into impactful businesses and scalable technology solutions.
Over the years, Hackaholics has become known for connecting innovators with investors, business leaders and industry experts who help participants commercialize their innovations.
Three Exciting Tracks Available for Applicants
This year’s programme features three major participation categories, allowing innovators to choose the track that best matches their expertise and business stage.
Startup Pitch Competition
Designed for startups and entrepreneurs, this track enables participants to present innovative products or services before industry stakeholders, investors and ecosystem partners.
Successful startups gain exposure, networking opportunities and access to growth support that can help accelerate business expansion.
Hackathon
The Hackathon track is ideal for developers, engineers, designers and technology builders interested in creating practical digital solutions to pressing societal and business challenges.
Participants collaborate to design innovative products capable of solving real-world problems while showcasing their technical creativity.
Social Impact Track
This category focuses on organizations, innovators and changemakers developing solutions that improve communities and address important social issues.
Projects with measurable impact in education, healthcare, sustainability and community development are encouraged to participate.
Who Can Apply?
One of the strongest features of Hackaholics 7.0 is its inclusiveness.
Applications are open to:
- Entrepreneurs
- Startup founders
- Students
- Professionals
- Creatives
- Innovators
- Technology enthusiasts
- Developers
- Designers
- Engineers
Importantly, applicants do not need to be programmers or possess a computer science degree to participate.
This broad eligibility ensures individuals from different industries and educational backgrounds can contribute innovative ideas.
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Benefits of Participating in Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0
Selected participants stand to benefit from a wide range of opportunities beyond prize funding.
Funding Opportunities
Outstanding teams can receive financial support, post-programme assistance and opportunities to secure additional investment for business growth.
Expert Mentorship
Participants receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, business executives and industry professionals who provide practical advice on product development, scaling and business strategy.
Greater Visibility
Hackaholics offers startups valuable exposure through demo days, media coverage and presentations before investors, partners and the wider innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships
Participants gain access to organisations capable of piloting, integrating or scaling innovative solutions across different sectors.
Community Networking
Applicants become part of an expanding network of founders, developers and innovators collaborating across Africa.
Market Access
Successful innovators may receive opportunities to test, validate and deploy their products within real business environments and customer markets.
Innovation Areas for Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0
Participants are encouraged to build solutions targeting challenges in several key sectors, including:
- Financial Inclusion
- Healthcare
- Digital Transformation
- Sustainability
- Education
- Social Impact
- Future of Work
These focus areas reflect some of Africa’s fastest-growing innovation sectors and align with the continent’s evolving economic and technological priorities.
How to Apply for Wema Bank Hackaholics
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official Wema Bank Hackaholics portal.
While the programme has announced that applications are open, no official closing date has yet been specified. Prospective participants are therefore encouraged to apply early to avoid missing future deadlines.
With funding, mentorship, networking opportunities and market access available, Hackaholics 7.0 presents a significant opportunity for African innovators looking to transform bold ideas into scalable ventures.
FAQ
What is Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0?
Hackaholics 7.0 is Wema Bank’s flagship innovation programme that supports African startups, entrepreneurs, developers and innovators through funding, mentorship, partnerships, networking and market access.
Who can apply for Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0?
The programme is open to everyone, including entrepreneurs, startup founders, students, professionals, innovators, engineers, developers, designers and creatives from across Africa.
Do I need programming skills to participate?
No. Wema Bank states that applicants do not need to be programmers or have a computer science degree to participate.
Is Hackaholics open to all African countries?
Yes. The programme targets innovators, startups and creators from across Africa.
What are the different Hackaholics tracks?
Participants can apply under the Startup Pitch Competition, Hackathon or Social Impact Track, depending on their project and experience.
What sectors are eligible?
Solutions are encouraged in Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Education, Social Impact and the Future of Work.
What benefits do successful participants receive?
Selected participants may receive funding, mentorship, investor exposure, strategic partnerships, media visibility, networking opportunities and access to customer markets.
Does Hackaholics provide startup funding?
Yes. Outstanding innovators can receive prize funding, post-programme support and opportunities to raise additional investment.
Is there an application deadline?
An official application deadline has not yet been announced. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
How do I apply for Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0?
Applicants should complete their registration through the official Wema Bank Hackaholics application portal and follow the instructions for their chosen participation track.
Why should startups join Hackaholics?
The programme provides access to funding, mentorship, business partnerships, market validation, investor exposure and one of Africa’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems, helping startups accelerate their growth and scale their impact.