LAGOS, NIGERIA – The AfCFTA, the world's largest free trade area by number of participating countries, promises to revolutionize trade across Africa, boost intra-African commerce, and drive economic growth. However, realizing its full potential requires overcoming various challenges, from logistical hurdles and payment system integrations to information asymmetry and regulatory complexities. The AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, the first of its kind organized by the AfCFTA Nigeria Coordination Office seeks to tackle these challenges head-on through the power of technology and collaborative problem-solving.

At the inaugural edition held in Landmark Event Center, Lagos, Nigeria, from May 1 to 3, 2025, brought together the brightest minds from across the continent – developers, entrepreneurs, designers, policymakers, and trade experts – to collaboratively devise innovative solutions that will accelerate the successful implementation and impact of the AfCFTA.

The event showcased tech solutions from over 200 teams from across Nigeria and some African countries who are young Pan-African innovators.Hosting the AfCFTA Hackathon in Lagos is a testament to Nigeria's commitment to the AfCFTA and our belief in the power of African ingenuity," said Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, the Senior International Trade Policy & Law Expert who also doubles as the Lead Trade Enablenent in AFCFTA NG Coordination Office.

Representing Dr Olusegun Awolowo, Director General, AfCFTA NG Coordination Office, Dr Olutayo, who is elated by the deep pool of tech talent and vibrant startup ecosystem that are committed to Pan-African innovations, declared the formal inauguration of AFCFTA-NG Academy. By his declaration, all the over 200 teams who participated in the #ScienceofTrade #sot25 #Hackathon were inducted into AfCFTA Academy.

The AfCFTA Academy is envisioned to serve as a crucible where transformative ideas are forged, leading to tangible tools and platforms that will benefit businesses and citizens across Africa. According to the AfCFTA Nigeria Coordination Office, the focus areas of the Academy are: Trade facilitation and logistics; fintech and payment system; market access and information; e-commerce and digital trade; regulatory sandbox portal (regtech); skill development and capacity building; promoting awareness and collaboration among startups and African businesses.

This initiative, AfCFTA Academy is a bold move to accelerate intra-African trade engaging African brightest minds with Pan-African innovations