In an effort to empower Nigerian youths and enhance the cybersecurity workforce in the region, the federal government of Nigeria is encouraging young technology enthusiasts to apply for the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) cybersecurity hackathon.
The Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, organized by ECOWAS and hosted by Nigeria, presents an excellent opportunity for both beginners and seasoned professionals to delve into the world of cybersecurity, acquire new skills, and network with like-minded individuals.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has partnered with ECOWAS to support this initiative. NITDA emphasizes that the hackathon offers not only a chance to demonstrate expertise but also to contribute to the security of cyberspace in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole.
Unlike traditional hackathons, the rewards for participating in this regional competition have not been explicitly specified by ECOWAS. However, the true value lies in the opportunity to collaborate with peers, push the boundaries of cybersecurity, and be part of a talent pool that contributes to the overall security of the region’s cyberspace.
The Cybersecurity Hackathon aims to foster a platform for young technology enthusiasts to showcase their skills and enhance the cyber workforce in the region. ECOWAS encourages member states to participate and exhibit the brightest minds in the competition. It is worth noting that the hackathon is open to citizens of ECOWAS member countries, and travel tickets will only be provided for participants residing within the region.
This event comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria faces a growing number of cyberattacks while having one of the lowest numbers of cybersecurity experts in the world. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) recently reported a global shortage of four million cybersecurity jobs. Notably, Nigeria and South Africa have a higher need for cybersecurity experts compared to other countries, according to the same report.
To address this talent shortage, the Nigerian government has implemented the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, which aims to train three million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity. The ECOWAS hackathon aligns perfectly with this initiative, as it provides a platform for young Nigerians to develop their cybersecurity skills and contribute to the protection of their country’s digital landscape.
The registration for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 5, 2024. To be eligible for participation, individuals must be citizens of ECOWAS member countries and fall within the age range of 17 to 35. Teams are encouraged to include at least one female participant and should consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of four members.
By participating in the ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon, Nigerian youths have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, build connections, and contribute to the cybersecurity landscape not only in Nigeria but in the entire West African region. It is an exciting chance for individuals to showcase their expertise, collaborate with peers, and make a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity.
