Transforming Africa’s Digital Trade: The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon
Get ready for a high-energy, three-day innovation challenge dedicated to revolutionizing Africa’s digital trade landscape through technology. This dynamic event welcomes visionary individuals and collaborative teams from across the continent to co-create cutting-edge solutions that will redefine the future of cross-border commerce in Africa.
About the Hackathon
The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for ideas that can transform the continent’s digital economy. Designed to inspire innovation and collaboration, the hackathon brings together developers, entrepreneurs, startups, and technologists with a shared mission: solving some of the most pressing issues facing Africa’s digital trade environment.
From simplifying online trade policies to streamlining logistics and enabling financial inclusion, this event will empower participants to craft impactful solutions that enhance access, equity, and efficiency across Africa’s digital trade networks.
Core Innovation Challenges
Participants will work on seven high-impact focus areas designed to unlock the full potential of digital trade in Africa:
- E-Commerce Policy & Trust
Reimagine digital trade policies to foster trust and simplify cross-border transactions for businesses and consumers alike. - Connectivity Access
Bridge the digital divide by expanding internet infrastructure in underserved and remote regions to enable inclusive digital participation. - Digital Payments
Develop secure, scalable, and user-friendly payment solutions tailored to the needs of unbanked and underbanked populations. - Logistics & Delivery
Address infrastructural bottlenecks to improve delivery networks, fulfillment systems, and last-mile logistics for cross-border e-commerce. - Youth & MSME Inclusion
Enhance the participation of young people and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tailored onboarding, digital literacy programs, and business enablement tools. - E-Commerce Adoption
Increase confidence in online platforms by enhancing digital shopping experiences and customer support mechanisms. - Global Market Expansion
Equip African enterprises with digital tools and branding strategies that support international trade and export readiness.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to a broad spectrum of African innovators. Applicants must:
- Be of African origin
- Be between 18 and 45 years of age
- Apply individually or in teams (up to 5 members per team)
- Be developers, students, entrepreneurs, startups, or MSMEs passionate about digital transformation
Post-Hackathon Opportunities
Winning the competition is just the beginning. Finalists and top performers will gain access to:
- Expert Mentorship
Personalized coaching from top industry experts, policy advisors, and tech leaders. - Incubation Pathways
Opportunities to enter structured incubation programs to refine, scale, and launch their solutions. - Real-World Piloting
Selected solutions may be implemented in partnership with AfCFTA to test their real-world impact. - Funding Access
Direct exposure to investors, VCs, and funding bodies looking to back promising African innovations. - Continental Visibility
Showcase your solution at prestigious African innovation summits and trade events.
Awards & Recognition
A total prize pool of ₦20 million is up for grabs across the following categories:
- Best Overall Solution
Awarded to the most impactful, sustainable, and scalable innovation. - Most Innovative Solution
Celebrating groundbreaking and unconventional approaches to digital trade. - Best Regulatory Compliance Solution
Recognizing excellence in navigating Africa’s digital trade and data regulations. - Best Logistics Solution
For exceptional ideas that enhance cross-border shipping and delivery operations.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Ready to make an impact? [Click HERE to Apply]
