The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have collaborated with other key stakeholders to strengthen the cybersecurity skills of West African youths, a critical move to safeguard the region’s digital infrastructure.
This initiative is a strategic response to the growing threat of cybercrime in West Africa.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray emphasised the urgency of this collaboration, stating that it is vital to secure the region’s cyberspace against the rising tide of cybercriminal activities.
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A hackathon for talent and regional security
“The Hackathon challenge provides a crucial platform for identifying talent and supporting young individuals eager to engage with new technologies,” said Dr Touray as he addressed participants at the close of the 3rd ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon Challenge 2024 in Abuja.
The event, organised by ECOWAS and NITDA, drew participation from nations across West Africa, with government functionaries, private sector players, academic icons, and cybersecurity enthusiasts all coming together to confront the region’s most pressing digital threats.
Touray, represented by Ambassador Sediko Douka, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation at the ECOWAS Commission, stressed the importance of equipping West African youth with up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge.
“By enhancing the cyber workforce, we contribute not only to the region’s stability but also to its security. In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is imperative,” he said.
NITDA-ECOWAS bridging the skills gap with cybersecurity hackathons
The two-day hackathon challenge was a learning experience, as participants were exposed to cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques, hands-on training, and valuable lessons that would fortify their skill sets.
Touray lauded the event as a critical step toward building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem in West Africa, reiterating ECOWAS’s commitment to global efforts to protect digital assets and privacy.
“The hackathon is not just about winning prizes; it’s about building a robust, resilient cyberspace that can withstand evolving threats,” said the Presidentof the ECOWAS Commission.
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Representing NITDA, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Oladejo Olawumi emphasised the need for initiatives like the hackathon to harness the talents of young people in the fight against cybercrime.
“It’s very interesting to see healthy competition in the technology sector, and that’s why we’re committed to channelling the energy of our youth towards constructive solutions. By doing so, we prevent them from being lured into cybercrime,” Olawumi said.
Olawumi reaffirmed NITDA’s dedication to supporting future events that foster cybersecurity innovation, particularly as the collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector plays a crucial role in the battle against digital threats.
This year’s hackathon saw participation from 12 West African countries, including Mauritania, with the top three teams receiving cash prizes and laptops.
The Nigerian team, ERROR, placed third, earning $6,000 and laptops for each team member. The M3V7R team from Benin Republic secured second place, winning $8,000 and laptops, while the first prize of $10,000 went to Cote d’Ivoire’s Shell X Roots.
As West Africa continues to confront growing cyber threats, initiatives like the hackathon are critical for building a more secure digital future. By investing in the region’s youth and nurturing a culture of cybersecurity, ECOWAS and NITDA are setting the stage for a safer, more resilient cyberspace.