By Olayinka Latona

Digital technology experts and stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem have renewed calls for urgent and sustained action to close the gender gap in artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT), urging policies that will strengthen women’s participation and visibility in the sector.

The call was made in Abuja during the Women in Tech Hackathon 2026, tagged “Build-4-Today Female AI Hackathon”, an innovation programme where female participants collaborate to develop technology-driven solutions to real-life challenges using skills such as data analytics, AI, and software development.

The initiative also provides mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities aimed at increasing women’s representation in tech.

The event, organised by the Build Youth Education Initiative (formerly known as Build Nigeria Initiative), a non-governmental organisation, brought together over 100 female participants, policymakers, technology experts, educators, and students to explore strategies for expanding girls’ participation in science, technology, and innovation.

In his welcome address, the founder of the organisation, Obiejesi Chinweike, said the maiden edition, themed “Advancing Women Inclusion in Technology through AI Innovation,” was designed to equip participants—particularly young women—to develop practical, technology-driven solutions across sectors including education, climate change, governance, and small businesses.

He noted that the programme would help strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem by building a pipeline of skilled female talent and reducing the gender imbalance in the industry. According to him, it also promotes innovation through locally relevant solutions while fostering collaboration, mentorship, and networking opportunities that could lead to startups, jobs, and long-term growth.

“What our women presented during the hackathon was mind-blowing, and I seriously believe this will go a long way toward promoting gender inclusion and ensuring women’s participation in the tech space,” Chinweike said. “We are also creating opportunities for mentorship, networking, and investment access.”

Speaking on “Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Wealth Creation: Empowering Women Across Africa,” keynote speaker Ajah Excel described the hackathon as a platform for transformation, noting that women across Africa have long been underrepresented in spaces where the future is being shaped.

“For too long, women across Africa have been underrepresented in the very spaces where the future is being designed. That must change, and it must change now,” he said.

He stressed that inclusive wealth creation goes beyond access to digital tools, adding that it involves empowering women to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the tech ecosystem.

“AI is not just about algorithms; it is about impact,” he said. “Imagine women building AI solutions that improve maternal health in rural communities, optimise small businesses, expand financial inclusion, and transform local economies. That is inclusive wealth creation.”

Excel added that inclusion must be intentional, requiring mentorship, investment, and supportive government policies, as well as a shift in societal mindset.

“Africa’s future will not be built by a few; it will be built by all of us, and it must include you,” he said, urging participants to see the hackathon as a starting point for broader movements and innovation pathways.

Participants were grouped into teams and underwent intensive training before presenting their projects, with top-performing teams rewarded. The first runner-up received ₦100,000, the second runner-up ₦200,000, while the winning team took home ₦300,000.

The event was held in collaboration with partners including New Africa Group, Peace Ambassador Network of Nigeria, Wema Bank, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mycityapp, and others.