NGO Launches Women in Tech AI Hackathon to Boost Female Participation in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria Build Nigeria Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, has launched a new programme aimed at increasing the participation of women and girls in the technology sector.
At the launch of the ‘Build-4-Today Women in Tech AI Hackathon 2026’ in Abuja, the organisation’s founder, Jude Obiejesi, said the competition is designed to equip young women and girls with practical digital and problem-solving skills in technology and artificial intelligence.
The hackathon, organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Wema Bank, and other organisations, is scheduled to run both online and in-person from April.
Obiejesi explained that participants will develop technology-driven solutions to address real-world challenges across sectors such as governance, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and education.
He noted that the initiative is a response to the low representation of women in the AI and technology ecosystem, stressing that empowering the girl-child with digital skills is critical to achieving inclusive innovation and national development.
“The hackathon is open to young women who are passionate about technology, innovation, and solving real-world problems. Participants may include students, graduates, entrepreneurs, and aspiring innovators,” he said.
According to him, the programme is open to individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation.
He added that the hackathon will feature structured activities to support participants throughout the innovation process, including onboarding sessions, technical training workshops, mentorship from industry experts, prototype development, and pitch presentations.
To reward excellence, prizes will be awarded to top-performing teams, including a grand prize for first place, an innovation award for second place, and an impact award for third place. Winners will also gain access to mentorship opportunities, industry networks, potential investors, and further support to develop their projects.
Obiejesi said the initiative aims to build a pipeline of skilled female talent capable of contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy while connecting participants to career opportunities in the tech sector.
Also speaking, Ololade Ogunubi, Executive Director of the Lola Cater Foundation, said the hackathon would help create pathways for women and girls to thrive in the tech ecosystem.
“We found out that less than 20% of women are in tech. So, this partnership is key… How do we get more women and girls into the space?” she said.
Ogunubi emphasised the importance of early exposure to technology for young girls, noting that investing in the right demographic now would help address gender gaps in the future.
“The earlier we start… the better for us so that in the future we won’t be talking about what we are talking now,” she added.
Meanwhile, Gift Chidima, founder of the New Africa Group, expressed optimism about the initiative, describing it as a step toward repositioning Nigeria and advancing gender balance in the tech industry.
She stressed the need to increase female participation in science, technology, and AI fields, challenging traditional perceptions and stereotypes.
“The future is AI. The future is tech,” Ogunubi added, underscoring the urgency of equipping women and girls with the skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving digital world.
TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya.
