Kashim Shettima Launches Connect NextGen Hackathon to Boost Nigeria's Tech Industry

Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside other officials like Deji Elumoy and Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, launched the Connect NextGen Hackathon in Abuja. The program, in collaboration with Ericsson, seeks to position Nigeria as a leading provider of digital solutions globally.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's job creation agenda and focuses on leveraging AI, 5G, cloud computing, and IoT technologies. Ericsson's commitment to sustainable energy-efficient network technologies will support Nigeria's digital transformation goals.

The partnership aims to provide real-world applications for 5G and IoT platforms, enhancing Nigeria's digital economy. The hackathon also emphasizes the importance of Nigeria's youthful demographic dividend and the need to invest in skills development for the future.

The event showcased public-private collaboration, with Sweden's Ambassador Anna Westerholm praising Nigeria's talent and innovation potential. Olusoji Ogundele represented Ericsson Nigeria, highlighting concrete steps outlined in the MOU signed with the federal government to boost innovation and digital skills development by 2024.