The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the fourth edition of its Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, Ghana, as part of efforts to strengthen digital security and combat growing cyber threats across the region.
The 48-hour competition, which brought together top cybersecurity experts, innovators and technology enthusiasts from 12 ECOWAS member states, is themed: “Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building the Digital Future of West Africa Together.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, ECOWAS said participants would engage in a series of practical cybersecurity challenge exercises designed to test their ability to detect, prevent and respond to emerging cyber threats.
The regional body explained that the hackathon is aimed at deepening cooperation among member states while equipping cybersecurity professionals with the skills needed to safeguard the region’s digital space.
According to ECOWAS, contestants will tackle real-life cybersecurity scenarios that will sharpen their technical expertise, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
The organisation noted that the exercise comes at a time when cybercrime, digital fraud and online security breaches are becoming increasingly sophisticated across the region.
“The hackathon serves as a platform to strengthen regional collaboration, build local cybersecurity capacity and improve preparedness against evolving digital threats,” the statement said.
ECOWAS added that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote a safer, more secure and trusted digital ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and digital transformation in West Africa.
The competition is expected to end on June 11 after two days of intensive challenges, innovation sessions and knowledge-sharing among participants.
Observers say the programme underscores ECOWAS’ determination to harness technology and innovation to strengthen cybersecurity resilience and protect the region’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
