Fed govt, Ericsson to launch Connect NextGen innovation hackathon

…four-month programme targets 5G, AI, cloud, IoT skills for Nigerian youths

…registrations open Feb 11 to March 10 as winners get incubation support

The Federal Government, in partnership with global telecommunications firm Ericsson, will on Wednesday launch the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon, a four-month programme designed to equip Nigerian youths with modern technology skills and accelerate innovative solutions for national development.

The programme, which is being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, will be unveiled on February 11, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

The hackathon is a major operational phase of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and Ericsson, and is aimed at digitally upskilling young Nigerians in emerging technologies, reshaping industries, and daily life.

The statement said participants will receive hands-on mentoring, practical learning, and an eight-week acceleration phase focusing on priority areas such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable technologies.

It added that innovators will also be guided to develop solutions in key sectors, including digital inclusion, smart cities, agritech, and sustainability, with outstanding teams expected to gain access to accelerators and further incubation opportunities.

The Office of the Vice President noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s priorities on the digital economy, technology integration and education.

To further strengthen Nigeria’s digital transformation drive, the statement said an Ericsson Educate programme targeting ICT policymakers will also be launched as part of the initial rollout.

The programme is open to innovators across Nigeria, including university students, startups, and emerging young talents, with eligible participants invited to apply through the official registration portal.

Registration opens from February 11, 2026, to March 10, 2026, via www.ericssonhackathon.techrevolutionafrica.org.

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 journey.

“At Ericsson, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government of Nigeria to support the country’s digital transformation journey,” she said.

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“Through initiatives focused on skills development, alongside our Ericsson Educate programme for policymakers and regulators, we aim to contribute to a stronger digital ecosystem.

“By bringing together talent development and informed policy dialogue, we support efforts to address connectivity gaps and enable inclusive, sustainable growth,” Kassi added.