Empowering West African Youth: The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon
In an era where cyber threats loom large, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more pressing. Recognizing this urgency, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have united to empower the youth of West Africa with the necessary skills to safeguard the region’s cyberspace. A recent regional security hackathon held in Abuja, Nigeria, served as a platform to showcase the talent and potential of young participants from across the region.
The Hackathon: A Platform for Innovation
The hackathon, which marked its third iteration, attracted participants from 12 West African countries, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition and collaboration. The event aimed not only to identify emerging cybersecurity experts but also to nurture their skills in combating the escalating threat of cybercrime. With over 1,500 teams participating, including 139 led by female captains, the event highlighted the significant contributions of women in the field of cybersecurity, showcasing a diverse array of talent.
A Call to Action from NITDA
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of NITDA, emphasized the importance of harnessing the energy and creativity of young people to tackle cybersecurity challenges. Represented by Oladejo Olawumi, Inuwa stressed the need for countries to adhere to regional regulations and implement robust measures to protect critical institutions. He stated, “The vibrant competition within the technology sector is encouraging. By harnessing the energy and creativity of our youth, we can effectively fight cybercrime and prevent them from engaging in criminal activities.”
Inuwa also pointed out the global cybersecurity workforce gap, with billions of jobs unfilled in the coming years. The hackathon serves as a response to this challenge, providing participants with opportunities to showcase their abilities and pathways to recognition, employment, and growth in the cybersecurity field.
ECOWAS’s Commitment to Cybersecurity
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, echoed the urgency of protecting the region’s cyberspace. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between ECOWAS, NITDA, governments, the private sector, and academia in making the hackathon a success. Touray emphasized that as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and transnational, collaboration among nations is essential.
The hackathon not only served as a competition but also included training programs sponsored by various donors and partners to enhance the skills of young participants. This holistic approach ensures that participants leave with not just recognition but also valuable knowledge and experience.
Celebrating Achievements
After 30 hours of intense competition, the results were announced, showcasing the remarkable talent present at the event. TeamERROR from Nigeria secured third place, earning a cash prize of $6,000 and laptops for each member. The M3V7R team from Benin Republic claimed second place with a cash prize of $8,000, while the top prize of $10,000 went to Shell X Roots from Côte d’Ivoire. Each winning team received laptops, further incentivizing their continued engagement in the cybersecurity field.
A standout moment of the event was the recognition of Hannah Bangoura from Sierra Leone, who won the Best Female Participant award. Her achievement underscored the growing influence of women in cybersecurity across West Africa, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in this critical field.
Fostering a Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The hackathon coincided with the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, during which extensive awareness campaigns were conducted to educate the public about trending cyber threats and safety measures. Inuwa highlighted the importance of fostering home-grown solutions through annual hackathons, allowing startups to showcase real-world problems and innovative solutions.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation, Mr. Seido Douko, welcomed the participants and commended their dedication to addressing pressing cybersecurity challenges. He stated, “ECOWAS passionately believes in harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration to drive progress.” Douko emphasized that as technology evolves, mere vigilance is insufficient; adaptability, creativity, and collaboration across borders are essential to building a robust and resilient cyber ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Collective Effort for a Safer Future
The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon is more than just a competition; it is a collaborative effort to combat cyber threats and foster innovation among the youth of West Africa. By bringing together talented young minds, the event embodies the spirit of cooperation and creativity necessary to tackle critical regional challenges. As the region continues to face evolving cyber threats, initiatives like this hackathon are vital in building a safer and more secure cyberspace for all.
Through such efforts, West Africa is not only preparing its youth for the future but also laying the groundwork for a resilient digital landscape that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.