AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 has officially concluded with a resounding success, as ExportPlug emerged the grand prize winner of ₦20 million at the grand finale held during the Science of Trade Conference 2025. Organised by the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, the event brought together over 300 participants across Africa to showcase digital solutions accelerating intra-African trade and commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Over three days of intense innovation and collaboration, 60 visionary teams pitched groundbreaking ideas aimed at strengthening digital trade in Africa. The AfCFTA Hackathon served as a platform for emerging African tech talents to present scalable, tech-enabled solutions addressing barriers in cross-border trade.
ExportPlug Crowned Winner at AfCFTA Hackathon
The highlight of the finale was the announcement of ExportPlug as the overall winner. The team’s platform, designed to simplify export processes by connecting African producers with new markets through smart algorithms and competitive pricing, impressed judges with its potential to revolutionize cross-border trade in Africa.
Other Top Winners and Awards
Grand Prize Winner:
- Team: ExportPlug
- Award: ₦20 Million (sponsored by partners)
- Achievement: Recognized for a digital export-enabling platform driving seamless intra-African trade.
2nd Runner-Up:
Team: GET AI
Award: ₦10 Million E-Commerce Regulatory Sandbox Innovation Prize (courtesy of NITDA)
Achievement: Honoured for a regulatory sandbox that automates compliance in African e-commerce.
Most Innovative Team:
Team: SyncAll
Award: Mentorship and Special Recognition
Achievement: Celebrated for a culturally aware tech solution enhancing digital connectivity across Africa.
A Milestone for Africa’s Digital Trade Future
The AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 identified and supported 15 finalist teams from over 60 that participated, marking a critical step in implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. This initiative reflects Africa’s commitment to using youth-led technology and innovation to build a more integrated and competitive continental market.
Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, stated:
“The AfCFTA Hackathon is a groundbreaking leap for Africa. It proves youth innovation is the driving force of a prosperous African trade ecosystem. This event shows that African solutions can and will power African trade.”
Mr. Olusegun Olutayo, Lead of the Hackathon, added:
“This first-of-its-kind hackathon blends digital innovation with trade policy to transform Africa’s economic future.”
Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of the Science of Trade Conference, commended the participants:
“Over 300 brilliant minds came together to build solutions for Africa’s future. The Hackathon exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation at scale.”
Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of e-Government and Digital Economy at NITDA, reflected:
“From code to continent, this hackathon has ignited the digital engine of African trade. AfCFTA’s digital future is bright.”
Mr. Seun Adeboyejo, CPO of GFA Technologies, remarked:
“Every participant is a hero in Africa’s innovation journey. This is just the beginning of a powerful digital trade revolution.”
Cherith-Code Concept’s Technical Lead praised the initiative, calling it:
“A bold leap toward a connected, industrialised Africa driven by digital ingenuity.”
Nnenna Irebisi, AWS Public Sector Lead for West Africa, said:
“Amazon Web Services is proud to support this transformative initiative. The dedication and creativity of all teams, especially the youngest participant—a baby in her mother’s arms—symbolise the unity and potential of African innovation.”
AfCFTA Hackathon: Partners Powering the Vision
The success of the AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 would not have been possible without key partners, including:
- National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Ascend Studios Foundation
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- GFA Technologies
Their support was instrumental in making this innovation milestone a reality.
Building the Africa We Want
The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office and Science of Trade Conference extend sincere gratitude to the judges, mentors, partners, and especially the 60 visionary teams that participated. This is more than a competition—it is a movement toward a digitally empowered, economically connected Africa.
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