Wema Bank has opened applications for its Hackaholics 2026 programme, giving African entrepreneurs, developers, designers, students, and social innovators a platform to build solutions to real-world problems. The 2026 edition carries the theme "Powering Possibilities" and is structured around three distinct participation tracks, catering to individuals at different stages, whether they are developing a raw idea, running an early-stage startup, or working on a project with social or environmental impact.
Three Tracks for Diverse Innovators
Hackaholics 2026 offers three participation tracks designed for applicants with different skills, ideas, and levels of business development, according to MSME reports. The Hackathon is for developers, designers, engineers, and builders who can create technology-driven solutions. Participants can apply individually or as a team and must provide details on their expertise, proposed challenge area, and portfolio or GitHub profile.
The Startup Pitch Competition targets early-stage ventures with a live product or prototype. Founders will showcase their solutions, explain their unique value proposition, and demonstrate how their businesses address real problems. Applicants must provide a link to their solution prototype and may also submit a pitch deck.
The Social Impact Track focuses on solutions addressing social, environmental, and community challenges. This track allows changemakers to develop and showcase innovations capable of creating meaningful social impact.
Eligibility and Benefits
Hackaholics is open to a wide range of participants, including young entrepreneurs, startup founders, developers, designers, product thinkers, technology enthusiasts, students, professionals, creatives, and social innovators. Applicants do not need to be programmers or hold a Computer Science degree to participate.
Selected participants will have access to opportunities including funding and growth support, expert mentorship, business development support, strategic partnerships, market access, visibility within the innovation ecosystem, community and networking opportunities, and participation in an accelerator programme. The programme is free to apply for and participate in, with no registration fees or hidden participation costs.
Focus Areas and Pathway
Hackaholics is seeking solutions that address challenges in areas including financial inclusion, healthcare, digital transformation, sustainability, education, social impact, and the future of work. The 2026 programme follows a six-stage pathway: applications, shortlisting, design-thinking sessions, pitch sessions, grand finale, and accelerator programme.
Wema Bank says the programme has supported thousands of innovators and startups over the years, with participants gaining access to funding, mentorship, partnerships, visibility, and opportunities to scale. Interested applicants should check the official Hackaholics application portal for the current deadline, as the public programme page does not clearly state a closing date. Applicants can review the available tracks and submit their applications through the official Wema Bank Hackaholics website.
