FG, Ericsson to launch connect NextGen innovation hackathon
The federal government, in partnership with global telecommunications company Ericsson, is set to launch the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with modern digital skills.
The four-month programme, overseen by the Office of the Vice President, will be officially launched on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The hackathon is part of the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government and Ericsson and is designed to digitally upskill Nigerian youths in emerging technologies that are reshaping industries and everyday life.
According to a statement by the spokesperson to the vice president, Stanley Nkwocha on Tuesday, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of digital economy development, technology integration and education.
The programme will combine hands-on mentoring, an eight-week acceleration phase and practical learning across priority technology areas such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence and sustainable technologies.
Participants are also expected to develop innovative solutions in areas including digital inclusion, smart cities, agritech and sustainability. Outstanding teams will gain access to accelerators and additional incubation opportunities.
As part of the rollout, an Ericsson Educate programme targeted at policymakers in the information and communications technology sector will also be launched to support Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.
The Office of the Vice President said the hackathon is open to innovators nationwide, including university students, startups and emerging young talents. Interested applicants are to register via the official platform, www.ericssonhackathon.techrevolutionafrica.org, with applications open from February 11 to March 10, 2026.
Speaking on the initiative, Head of Ericsson, West and Southern Africa, Majda Lahlou Kassi, said the company was proud to partner with the Federal Government to support Nigeria’s digital transformation.
