Manny Ita –
The Federal Government, in collaboration with global telecommunications giant Ericsson, is set to officially launch the “Connect NextGen” Innovation Hackathon today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a strategic move aimed at accelerating digital skills development among Nigerian youths. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to position Nigeria as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa while equipping young Nigerians with emerging technology competencies.
Government officials disclosed that the hackathon is designed to provide intensive hands-on training in critical digital fields including 5G technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The programme will bring together selected young innovators, developers, and tech entrepreneurs from across the country to collaborate on solutions that address national and global challenges using advanced digital tools.
Speaking ahead of the launch, a senior government official described the initiative as a major investment in Nigeria’s digital economy, stating that the administration is committed to ensuring that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the global technological revolution. The official noted that the partnership with Ericsson would provide participants with access to global expertise, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge innovation frameworks.
Ericsson representatives emphasized that the hackathon aligns with the company’s global mission to expand digital inclusion and nurture future technology leaders. According to a company spokesperson, the programme is designed to “empower young innovators with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to build scalable digital solutions that can transform industries and communities.”
Participants are expected to work in teams to develop innovative prototypes and technology-driven projects throughout the hackathon, with top-performing teams receiving mentorship support, funding opportunities, and potential incubation pathways to scale their innovations. Organizers stated that the initiative will also strengthen collaboration between government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
Technology analysts have described the programme as timely, noting that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding youth population presents a significant opportunity for digital workforce development. They added that strengthening skills in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and 5G could boost job creation, enhance productivity, and attract foreign investment into the country’s technology sector.
The launch of the “Connect NextGen” Innovation Hackathon is expected to form part of a broader national strategy to expand digital literacy, support innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and prepare Nigerian youths for opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
