Business
AfricaPlan Foundation Selects 20 Graduates for 2022 HackathonAfrica in Enugu
AfricaPlan Foundation Selects 20 Graduates for 2022 HackathonAfrica in Enugu
Enugu-born tech entrepreneur initiates a plan to put more graduates on to careers in technology
The inaugural edition of HackathonAfrica kicked off on Thursday, September 01, 2022, in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.
The HackatonAfrica program, a brainchild of the US-based AfricaPlan Foundation, is an intensive software coding boot camp for fresh graduates aimed at tackling the steep digital skills deficit in the Southeast region and creating opportunities for the enterprising youth to tap into the burgeoning technology industry.
With Nigeria’s unemployment rate at more than 35%, the AfricanPlan Foundation said the HackathonaAfrica provides one of several unique opportunities that must be explored to creatively tackle the unemployment crisis through an inclusive and strategic digital upskilling program that creates opportunities for the next generation of young Nigerians to play an active part in the digital economy.
The Hackathon attracted massive interest from youths across the region with over 300 applications received. However, only twenty recent graduates were shortlisted to join the first cohort, which included ten males and ten females, underscoring the Foundation’s strategic commitment to inclusivity and removing biases by granting equal opportunities to both genders.
A unique fully-funded, residential software coding boot camp, HackathonAfrica will last for three months and will encompass intensive hands-on practical training on Fullstack Web Development (MERN) and in the latest and more commonly used software coding programs and databases in tech today.
The founder of the AfricaPlan Foundation, an accomplished technology industry executive and entrepreneur, Mr Oni Chukwu while speaking at the opening ceremony lamented the dearth of digital skills in Africa, which is hampering the ability of the continent to fully tap into the economic opportunities of the technology revolution and its attendant economic empowerment.
He noted that advances in technology, especially in software development have disrupted virtually every industry resulting in a greater disadvantage for any economy without sufficient or commensurate digital skills to meet industry needs. He, therefore, called on policymakers, governments at all levels and concerned individuals to embrace the new reality and put in place deliberate measures that will refocus the energy of the youth and equip them to tap into the technology sector.
In line with HackathonAfrica’s structure and design, the 20 trainees after completing their three months of training AfricaPlan will make every effort to deploy graduates to HackathonAfrica’s partner organisations within and outside Nigeria for their internship, with a stipend from the AfricaPlan Foundation. The long game here, according to Chukwu, is creating a successful pathway to launching successful careers in technology, as well as a pipeline to creating a talent pool for organisations that rely on digital skills on the continent. More partner companies that can join in providing internship opportunities for the students would be welcome.
Some of the participants who spoke to reporters during the ceremony expressed gratitude to the AfricaPlan Foundation for the opportunity and pledged to take full advantage of the programme to start careers in the tech industry.
Israel Chukwu, who studied Product Design Engineering at the university, said, “I finished school about 5 years ago and after the NYSC programme without a job, it puts you in a depressing state; you see your dreams slipping through your fingers. I stayed in Lagos for about two years and now I moved back to my hometown to take up this golden package. I feel glad. I tried coding at age 13 but could not continue. HackathonAfrica is a life-changing opportunity for me and I thank Oni Chukwu whom I have never met before being selected and the team for being thorough in their approach to the program.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony in Enugu, Mr Jonah Onah, 2022 HackathonAfrica Project Coordinator, reiterated that the programme is anchored on three main objectives, which include upskilling, empowerment and sustainability, adding that AfricaPlan Foundation will leverage the initiative to provide excellent training that will equip youth in Southeast Nigeria with improved skills required to harness opportunities in the software technology space.
*Day Two of Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2: A Deep Dive into Blockchain, Web3, and AI
The second and final day of the Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2, a Blockchain, Web3, and AI Summit, concluded with a workshop at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day event, organized by the Blockchain Nigeria Users Group (BNUG) and sponsored by the Afriq Group of Companies, brought together leading minds in the tech, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence sectors.
Day two focused on a series of in-depth workshops that provided delegates with practical knowledge and insights into blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Participants had the chance to engage directly with some of the industry’s most respected figures. Among them were Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Group of Companies; John Orakwe, an AI specialist; Dr. Paul Chima, a chiropractor with interests in tech and innovation; Ladi Willie, a business journalist at Channels TV; and Chimezie Chuta, Founder of BNUG and Chairman of the Nigeria Blockchain Payment Systems Council (NBPSC).
Each expert contributed to discussions that ranged from the future of blockchain in Africa to the intersection of AI and Web3 technologies. The sessions offered valuable opportunities for attendees to deepen their understanding of the rapidly evolving tech landscape, with a particular focus on the practical applications and implications of these technologies for the Nigerian market.
The Afriq Group of Companies, as the major sponsor, made a lasting impression during the summit. Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Group, delivered a thought-provoking speech that resonated with the audience. He began by expressing his appreciation to BNUG for creating a platform that fostered learning and collaboration within the tech community.
“I celebrate ideas,” Jesam Michael remarked, acknowledging the vision and effort behind the summit. “Let’s thank Mr. Chimezie Chuta and his team for putting up this wonderful idea, allowing crypto and tech lovers to come and learn for free. If this event had been organized by a foreign counterpart, this hall would have been overflowing with people because they support each other. Yet here in Nigeria, we find ourselves caught up in internal conflicts, cyberbullying, and character attacks.”
His address highlighted the importance of unity and support within Nigeria’s tech community, emphasizing the potential for growth if individuals could rally behind one another. Jesam Michael also underscored the role of technology in creating positive social impact, saying, “My thoughts are to see you stand tall, helping the less privileged, the widows, the aged men and women, and contributing to the economy of our country.” He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote progress and development.
The second day concluded with an atmosphere of optimism and excitement about the future of blockchain, Web3, and AI in Nigeria. Participants left the summit with fresh insights and new connections, poised to apply what they had learned to their respective fields.
Chimezie Chuta, reflecting on the event’s success, thanked all partners, speakers, and participants for their active involvement. He emphasized that the mission of BNUG is to continue to create platforms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of the digital revolution.
The Decentralized Intelligence 2024 V2 Summit not only showcased the depth of talent and expertise within the Nigerian tech community but also underscored the importance of fostering collaboration for the growth of blockchain and AI technologies. The Afriq Group of Companies’ involvement, especially, served as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving the country’s digital transformation forward.
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