Wema Bank has shortlisted 21 innovators for the grand finale of its Hackaholics 7.0 programme, following a nationwide competition that attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 ideas and solutions.
The finalists competed at the November 6 event in Lagos, where they showcased solutions developed through the bank’s innovation programme aimed at supporting young Nigerians to turn ideas into practical applications.
The finalists are Dynalimb, Harthiq, Acceede, Vhorde, URI, Trarrk, SocialSign, RaverPay, All-Arbitrates, CitizensGage, Craft-Planet, FOID, PayByPalm, Niteonn, Nexa-AI, Neural-Forge, MamaAlert, JolliFlow, Becca, CropiQ and Middleman.
Hackaholics, launched in 2019, is Wema Bank’s youth and startup-focused initiative designed to identify innovators and support the development of technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
The bank said the programme had recorded more than 21,000 applicants, engaged over 50,000 participants, supported more than 10,000 startups across three countries and developed over 100 solutions from scratch.
The seventh edition began on July 1, 2026, under the theme “Powering Possibilities,” with pitch centres in Uyo, Kano, YabaTech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
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The nationwide tour produced 59 participants, from whom the 21 finalists were selected through a multi-stage evaluation process.
The finalists presented refined versions of their solutions at a pre-pitch event on November 4, followed by an ecosystem tour on November 5 to engage with institutions and professionals in the technology and innovation sector.
The programme culminated in the November 6 grand finale, themed “Festival of the Future,” where the innovators will compete and outstanding participants will be recognised.
Wema Bank said Hackaholics was part of its efforts to support entrepreneurship, identify emerging talent and create opportunities for young Nigerians to develop solutions to societal challenges.
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Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.
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