Ebonyi State says it is making bold strides toward digital transformation with the upcoming Ebonyi Hackathon 2024 that hopes to unlock tech innovation by youths addressing pressing challenges in the state.
Despite recording some of Nigeria’s lowest active internet and voice subscription numbers—1,885,657 active voice subscribers and 1,401,626 active internet subscribers as of Q1 2024, Ebonyi Hackathon 2024 hopes to turn around the fortunes of the state with one of the nation’s lowest connectivity.
In an exclusive interview with Technology Times, Moss Uromtah, founder of Codefest International, organisers of Ebonyi Hackathon, shared insights into the inspiration and vision behind the tech event.
Codefest: Ebonyi Hackathon is first hackathon in the state
The Ebonyi Hackathon, marking the first hackathon of its kind in the state, is scheduled for November 22-23, 2024 at the Silicon Valley, Codefest Centre, Centenary City in Abakaliki.
The hackathon focuses on themes such as e-governance, agriculture, smart city solutions, healthcare, education, and commerce. Uromtah says that these themes were chosen to address pressing needs in the state. “E-government tools, for example, could improve transparency and cut down on bureaucratic delays by enabling citizens to access essential services online, like reporting infrastructure challenges or applying for permits.”
Uromtah says the event hopes to elevates Ebonyi State’s digital profile. “In the long run, the hackathon aims to drive technological advancement, enhance skill development, and support economic growth within Ebonyi,” Uromtah tells Technology Times. “The Ebonyi Hackathon was inspired by a vision to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, creating opportunities for tech-savvy youths to address real-world challenges.”
While Ebonyi is not yet a major player in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, it has potential. “The tech scene in Ebonyi State is emerging, with a growing community of young, talented individuals eager to innovate and contribute to technological development. Although still in its formative stages compared to larger tech hubs in Nigeria, there’s a strong drive among local tech enthusiasts to learn, collaborate, and apply digital solutions to local challenges,” Uromtah explains.
The hackathon focuses on themes such as e-governance, agriculture, smart city solutions, healthcare, education, and commerce. Uromtah says that these themes were chosen to address pressing needs in the state. “E-government tools, for example, could improve transparency and cut down on bureaucratic delays by enabling citizens to access essential services online, like reporting infrastructure challenges or applying for permits.”
He adds that “apps that offer weather predictions and advice on how to control pests can improve agricultural planning and boost crop yields while lowering losses. In the meantime, smart city technologies, such as smart traffic systems, could control traffic on major thoroughfares, increasing the effectiveness of transportation and giving citizens a safer and more convenient urban environment.”
Codefest says the Ebonyi Hackathon is expected to deliver more than theoretical concepts. It plans to support promising projects with mentorship, resources, and funding. “We will also explore avenues for piloting and scaling the most impactful projects, ensuring they can address the specific challenges in Ebonyi, with a focus on sustainability, scalability, and long-term community impact,” Uromtah explains.
The Ebonyi State Government, according to Codefest’s Uromtah, has endorsed the hackathon and will provide awards for top-performing teams.
One key aspect of the event is mentorship. Participants will work with industry experts, who will guide them on technical development, business strategy, and project implementation. This mentorship, Uromtah explain, will prepare participants not just for the hackathon but for their future in tech.
Codefest International, a pioneer in promoting STEM education in Nigeria, says it has played a key role in organising numerous hackathons, bootcamps, and expos across the country, impacting over 100,000 beneficiaries.
The organisation’s efforts have attracted collaborations with several Nigerian states, including Lagos and Abuja, for public-private partnership projects. Currently, Codefest says it is working closely with the Ebonyi State Government to foster digital transformation in the state over the next 10 years.
Looking ahead, Uromtah envisions the hackathon becoming an annual event. “For future editions, we plan to expand the scope of challenges, incorporating emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT to keep pace with global trends.
“Additionally, we aim to enhance post-hackathon support, such as creating long-term incubation programs and securing partnerships with tech firms and investors to help bring the best ideas to life. Expanding the reach beyond Ebonyi to attract national and international participants will also help increase competition, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.”
The Ebonyi Hackathon fits into Codefest International’s larger vision of establishing a sustainable tech ecosystem in Ebonyi State. The Ebonyi Hackathon will act as a platform to “discover and nurture local talent, tackle real-world challenges, and catalyse tech-driven solutions that align with the state’s development priorities.
“In the long term, we aim to build a thriving community of developers, entrepreneurs, and investors that fosters collaboration, spurs economic growth, and positions Ebonyi as a leader in technology and innovation within Nigeria,” Uromtah says.
Nigeria’s tech boom has largely been driven by tech hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Anambra. However, states like Ebonyi are beginning to tap into this field. Initiatives like the Ebonyi Hackathon can decentralise innovation and show how grassroots initiatives in less tech-saturated regions can play a role in achieving the country’s digital transformation vision.
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