ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon Kicks Off in Accra to Boost West Africa’s Digital Defenses

The fourth ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon opened Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 1:00pm GMT in Accra, bringing together top cybersecurity talent from 12 member states for a 48-hour battle against digital threats.

Themed “Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building the Digital Future of West Africa Together,” the competition runs until 1:00pm GMT Thursday, June 11.

Participants will tackle practical cybersecurity challenges designed to test critical thinking, teamwork, and real-time problem-solving against emerging cyber threats.

Organizers say the hackathon aims to do three things: deepen cross-border cooperation, build local capacity, and create a safer, more trusted digital ecosystem across West Africa.

This year’s edition marks another push by ECOWAS to grow homegrown cyber expertise as cyberattacks on banks, government systems, and critical infrastructure rise across the region.