Nigeria Claims Championship at Regional Cybersecurity Competition
Nigeria has emerged victorious at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026, with Team Nigeria securing the coveted $10,000 grand prize after four days of intense competition in Accra. The team, competing under the name "Error," demonstrated exceptional innovation, technical expertise, and resilience throughout the regional event.
The competition brought together cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, software developers, and digital innovators from across West Africa. Organized by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the event operated under the theme "Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building a Digitally Resilient West Africa, Together."
Nigerian Team Demonstrates Technical Excellence
Team Nigeria's victory was particularly significant as it marked the culmination of four consecutive years of participation in the regional competition. The winning team comprised Ige Adekunle, Mark Uchechukwu, Ezekiel-Inyele Victor, and Olawale Abdulrasheed, who impressed judges with their creativity, technical sophistication, teamwork, and ability to address real-world cybersecurity threats.
The competition attracted participants from 12 ECOWAS Member States: Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Teams worked collaboratively to design and present practical cybersecurity solutions aimed at combating ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, online fraud, digital extortion, and threats to critical national infrastructure.
Strong Regional Competition and Female Representation
Benin's "Escadron" team secured the first runner-up position, while Togo's "RedTeam TG" emerged as second runner-up after delivering strong and innovative solutions during the competition. The hackathon showcased the depth of cybersecurity talent across the West African region.
The event also highlighted the increasing participation and impact of women in cybersecurity across the region. Three female participants received special recognition for their outstanding 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.
Regional Collaboration Strengthens Cybersecurity Resilience
During the closing ceremony, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of Ghana's Cyber Security Authority, commended participants for their professionalism, technical excellence, and collaborative spirit throughout the event.
"Over the past four days, we have witnessed the very best of West Africa's innovation, talent, and collaborative spirit," Mr. Agbeti said.
According to Mr. Agbeti, the hackathon reaffirmed that cybersecurity is not solely about technology but about people—young innovators, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity professionals committed to developing responsible solutions to real-world challenges. The success of this regional initiative demonstrates the potential for collaborative approaches to strengthen West Africa's digital infrastructure and security posture.
The competition serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development, helping to build a stronger cybersecurity workforce across the ECOWAS region. As digital transformation accelerates across West Africa, such initiatives become increasingly vital for maintaining regional security and fostering innovation in the technology sector.