Nigeria Wins $10,000 Grand Prize at 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra

Nigeria has emerged as the overall winner of the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026, securing the coveted $10,000 grand prize after showcasing outstanding innovation, technical expertise, and resilience in addressing cybersecurity challenges facing West Africa.
The four-day competition, organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in collaboration with Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), brought together some of the region’s brightest cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, software developers, and digital innovators.
Held under the theme, “Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building a Digitally Resilient West Africa, Together,” the Hackathon attracted participants from 12 ECOWAS Member States, including Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Over a demanding 48-hour period, competing teams developed innovative solutions aimed at tackling some of the region’s most pressing cyber threats, including ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, online fraud, digital extortion, and attacks targeting critical national infrastructure.
The competition reached its climax during the closing ceremony when Team Nigeria, competing under the name “Error,” was announced as the overall winner. The team, made up of Ige Adekunle, Mark Uchechukwu, Ezekiel-Inyele Victor, and Olawale Abdulrasheed, impressed judges with a solution that demonstrated technical excellence, creativity, and practical application in addressing real-world cybersecurity threats.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, coming after four consecutive years of participation in the regional competition and underscoring the value of persistence, innovation, and continuous learning.
Benin’s “Escadron” team placed first runner-up, while Togo’s “RedTeam TG” secured the second runner-up position following strong performances throughout the competition.
The event also highlighted the growing role of women in cybersecurity across the region. In recognition of their exceptional contributions, Codjia Fifamè of Benin’s Escadron team, Badom Grace of Liberia’s Cyber Warriors team, and Guylaine Marie of Côte d’Ivoire’s Back2Root team received awards as outstanding female participants.
Addressing participants at the closing ceremony, the Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, Divine Selase Agbeti, praised the competitors for their professionalism, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit.
“Over the past four days, we have witnessed the very best of West Africa’s innovation, talent, and collaborative spirit,” he said.
Mr. Agbeti noted that the Hackathon demonstrated that cybersecurity extends beyond technology and is fundamentally about people working together to develop innovative and responsible solutions to emerging challenges.
“The solutions developed during this competition are a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that exist within our region,” he stated. “West Africa has the talent and potential required to secure its own digital future.”
He encouraged participants to maintain the networks and partnerships established during the event and continue collaborating to strengthen regional cyber resilience and innovation.
The Director-General also expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for selecting Ghana as host of the competition and acknowledged the contributions of technical partner DoubleOSec, sponsors, judges, media partners, and the CSA team for ensuring the successful organisation of the event.
The successful hosting of the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon further reinforces Ghana’s growing reputation as a champion of regional cybersecurity cooperation, digital resilience, and technological innovation at a time when cyber threats continue to evolve across an increasingly interconnected West Africa.