NextGen Developers Hackathon 2025 for Young Africans (up to N10,000,000 in prizes)

The NextGen Developers Hackathon is a bold tech challenge for undergraduates and early-stage developers ready to tackle real-world problems using the power of blockchain, AI, and decentralized innovation.

Organized by Better Africa Foundation, this hackathon is part of a broader mission to create inclusive pathways for young Africans to thrive in the digital economy. With mentorship, training, and funding support, participants will build cutting-edge solutions across themes like DeFi payments, identity and governance, social impact, AI inclusion, and sustainability — all on the Cardano blockchain. This is a launchpad for ideas, a hub for future founders, and a platform where your voice matters in shaping the next era of innovation in Africa.

Tracks & Challenges

• DeFi & Payments: Build seamless financial solutions for Africa.
• AI & Blockchain Fusion: Explore the intersection of AI and Cardano
• Identity & Governance: Create secure digital identity systems
• Social Impact & Sustainability: Use blockchain to solve Africa’s biggest challenges

Benefits of Developers Hackathon

• Cash Prizes – Top teams receive monetary rewards (up to N10,000,000)
• Incubation & Mentorship – Selected projects get support to scale their solutions.
• Exposure & Recognition – Get featured in media reports, investor pitches, and blockchain communities.
• Conference Tickets – Gain early access to other Cardano blockchain summits and networking events.

Check : Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025-2026 ( Fully Funded)

Eligibility for Developers Hackathon

• Open to Undergraduate & Early-Career Developers interested in blockchain/Web3 and eager to build on Cardano – If you’re currently in school or have less than 3 years of development experience, you’re eligible.
• Team Up or Go Solo – Participate alone or in teams of up to 4 members.
• All skill levels welcome – Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, they’ll help you succeed.
• Innovators & problem-solvers with a passion for decentralized technology.
• West African communities seeking blockchain-powered solutions.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be judged based on:

• Innovation & Creativity – Originality and uniqueness of the idea.
• Technical Implementation – Proper use of Cardano blockchain technologies.
• Impact & Use Case – Relevance and potential real-world application.
• Feasibility & Scalability – Can the solution be expanded or improved?
• Presentation & Documentation – Clarity in project explanation and submission.

Also Check : ClimateLaunchpad: The Green Business Ideas Competition 2025

Application

• Step 1: Register – Sign up as an individual or with a team before [Registration Deadline].
• Step 2: Team Matching (If Needed) – No team? No problem! They will help you find a crew of like-minded builders
• Step 3: Join the pre-hackathon training workshops to prepare.
• Step 4: Hack & Build – Get your challenge statement, start coding, and bring your project to life.
• Step 5: Pitch & Win – Present your final product to our panel of expert judges and compete for the ₦10,000,000 prize pool!

Join us on Telegram for more opportunities !