Wema Bank says it aims to stimulate entrepreneurship further, attract investment, and accelerate Nigeria’s economic development by fostering a thriving technology ecosystem that complements the creative economy.

The executive director of retail and digital business at Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, disclosed this at the sidelines of a news conference on the call for applications for the sixth edition of the bank’s Hackaholics 6.0 initiative in Lagos.

Hackaholics 6.0 focuses on attracting “bold, cutting-edge solutions” in key sectors like AI, blockchain, renewable energy, customer experience, and cybersecurity.

He explained that the initiative aligns with the bank’s strategic vision for its 80th anniversary in 2025 and serves as a platform for developing solutions that address critical economic challenges.

According to him, the programme has the potential to generate innovations that create new avenues for economic activity and job creation and has recorded past successes in areas like transportation and healthcare.

He stated that with the initiative, the bank focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics education, and technological innovation as essential for future economic competitiveness.

Similarly, the chief transformation officer of Wema Bank, Babatunde Mumuni, said the bank had continued supporting innovative startups to progress.

Head of innovation Solomon Ayodele said the theme of the 2025 innovation programme is “Steep beyond algorithms, engineering, and disruptive innovation.”

According to him, the initiative aims to position Africa at the forefront of global technology and will feature a dual-track approach for technical talent and high-growth startups, focusing on verticals like customer experience and financial inclusion.

He explained that regional hackathons would be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and Lagos, culminating in a grand finale.

Expanding its reach, he said that the programme would also include events in Accra, Ghana, and Kigali in Rwanda, acknowledging the growing number of applications from these regions.

Mr Ayodele emphasised the programme’s accessibility, welcoming applications from various tech professionals and startups.

He noted that finalists would have the opportunity to join an accelerator programme, gaining access to resources and potential funding.

(NAN)