ECOWAS REGIONAL CYBERSECURITY HACKATHON OPENS IN ACCRA TO ADVANCE REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND DIGITAL RESILIENCE

The fourth edition of the ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon, themed “Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building the Digital Future of West Africa Together,” officially commenced in Accra, Ghana, at 13:00 GMT on 9 June 2026. The event brings together some of the region’s brightest cybersecurity talents for a 48-hour competition that will run until 13:00 GMT on 11 June 2026.

Over the next 48 hours, participants from 12 ECOWAS Member States will take part in practical cybersecurity challenge exercises designed to strengthen critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills in responding to emerging digital threats. The hackathon aims to deepen regional cooperation, build local cybersecurity capacity, and support a safer and more trusted digital ecosystem across West Africa.

Welcoming participants at the opening ceremony, the Acting Deputy Director-General for Technical Operations, Mr. Stephen Cudjoe-Seshie, described the hackathon as a timely and strategic intervention in the face of rapidly evolving cyber threats.

Mr. Cudjoe-Seshie noted that cybersecurity threats transcend national borders and require a coordinated regional response.

“These threats are fast-evolving and interconnected, demanding collective action. This hackathon is more than a competition; it is a strategic investment in building a strong, skilled, and collaborative cybersecurity workforce for our region,” he added.

Representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the Director of the Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, Ms Folake Olagunju, highlighted Accra’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and digital transformation. She noted that the city provides an ideal setting for showcasing West Africa’s emerging cybersecurity talent. Ms Olagunju stated that the blend of tradition and modernity reflected the region’s collective digital journey, rooted in heritage while embracing innovation.

She emphasized that while digital connectivity continues to drive economic growth, innovation, and inclusion, it also exposes the region to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. She reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to capacity development through the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Directive of 2021, which places skills development at the center of the region’s cybersecurity strategy.

“Hackathons like this help identify emerging talent, build practical skills, stimulate innovation, promote diverse perspectives and strengthen the cybersecurity community. A resilient digital future can only be built when everyone has a seat at the table,” she noted.

She also highlighted the impact of previous editions of the hackathon, noting that past participants have progressed into cybersecurity roles within national institutions.

These success stories demonstrate how perseverance and talent nurtured within our region can grow into leadership that strengthens our cybersecurity ecosystem,” she added.

In his keynote address, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, emphasized the critical importance of investing in cybersecurity talent to secure the region’s digital future. He noted that the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers will play a key role in addressing emerging cyber threats and strengthening digital security.

“The future of West Africa’s digital security is being shaped here today by the innovators and problem-solvers gathered in this room,” he stated.

The Minister highlighted the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, describing Africa’s skills gap as an opportunity for regional growth and leadership. He outlined Ghana’s efforts to address this challenge through strategic investments in digital education, including the One Million Coders Programme, which aims to equip one million Ghanaians with skills in coding, cybersecurity, data science, and network support over the next four years.

“We are not waiting for these professionals to come from elsewhere. We are building them here, and the framework we are developing can serve as a model for our neighbours across the ECOWAS region,” he added.

He further urged participants to embrace ethical and responsible innovation as they apply their technical skills throughout the competition.

The ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon remains a flagship capacity-building initiative that convenes young innovators, cybersecurity professionals, and technology enthusiasts from across West Africa to strengthen practical cybersecurity skills and support a safer and more secure digital ecosystem.

The initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ broader vision of strengthening regional cyber resilience, promoting digital trust, and fostering a skilled cybersecurity workforce for the region.