Wema Bank, a titan in Nigeria's financial sector and pioneer of Africa's first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially launched its highly anticipated 2026 Hackaholics Accelerator Programme. This strategic initiative underscores the bank's unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian tech innovators and entrepreneurs, transitioning them from groundbreaking ideas to sustainable, scalable businesses. The programme is a testament to Wema Bank's six-year legacy of fostering innovation through its overarching Hackaholics platform.
The 2026 Cohort: A Decade of Disruption in the Making
Following a rigorous selection process, the 2026 Hackaholics Accelerator has welcomed an elite cohort of ten promising Nigerian startups, meticulously chosen from the top-performing finalists of Hackaholics 6.0. These startups are poised to receive unparalleled structured mentorship, expert industry guidance, and crucial access to networks vital for transforming their innovative concepts into commercially viable and impactful enterprises. The selected startups include Farmslate, Ploy, Stocmed, Feest (Chao), Varsityscape, MamaAlert, Sane, Cyclex, Kieva, and Loocomo.
Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank, articulated the accelerator's core philosophy, stating that it reflects the bank's deepened commitment to supporting founders beyond the initial stages of innovation. He highlighted how Hackaholics has transcended mere competition to become a robust platform showcasing Nigeria's vast entrepreneurial potential and technological prowess. The programme's design is specifically tailored to help mid-to-growth stage, revenue-generating startups solidify their business foundations, enhance market traction, and attract strategic partnerships and investment.
Since its inception in 2019, the Hackaholics initiative has evolved into one of Nigeria's most influential youth innovation platforms. It has cumulatively attracted over 15,000 applicants and actively supported hundreds of digital solutions spanning various critical sectors, including FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, and EduTech. Wema Bank has, through this dynamic initiative, disbursed over $400,000 in direct funding to young innovators and startup founders nationwide, demonstrating a tangible investment in the future of the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
Robust Data Estimation: Decoding Hackaholics' Escalating Impact
Analysis of Hackaholics' Growth Trajectory (2024-2025)
A meticulous data analysis of the Hackaholics program reveals an impressive surge in participant engagement and ecosystem influence. During Hackaholics 5.0 in 2024, the program garnered approximately 2,300 applications. This figure dramatically escalated for Hackaholics 6.0 in 2025, which saw an influx of over 11,000 high-quality applications.
This represents an extraordinary year-on-year growth rate of approximately 378% in application volume from 2024 to 2025. Such a substantial increase underscores the program's growing reputation, the expanding pool of Nigerian tech talent, and the critical need for structured support systems like the Wema Bank Accelerator. The consistent upward trend in applications positions Hackaholics as a pivotal enabler of entrepreneurial ambition across the nation.
Hackaholics Application Growth (2024 vs. 2025)
Applications received in thousands. (Data Source: Wema Bank Hackaholics Reports)
The Wema Bank Hackaholics Accelerator is supported by the bank's comprehensive innovation infrastructure, including IDEAx Labs and its corporate venture program. These platforms are designed to facilitate startup growth through strategic partnerships, robust infrastructure, and crucial capital access. With the launch of the 2026 cohort, Wema Bank continues to cement its position as a proactive force in shaping Nigeria’s digital future, empowering innovators to create solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute significantly to national economic development.
This initiative represents a pivotal moment for the selected startups, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to refine their models, strengthen their operational foundations, and scale their impact across Nigeria and beyond. The bank's continuous investment in the tech ecosystem reaffirms its dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable environment for innovation, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of technological advancement in Africa.
