African technology builders are invited to participate in the Sandbox Africa Hackathon 2026, a technology competition calling on developers, engineering students, AI enthusiasts, robotics builders, and hardware innovators to create practical solutions to real-world problems.
The hackathon provides a platform for participants working across software, artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, and hardware to transform their ideas into working prototypes, test their technical skills, and showcase their solutions.
According to the programme announcement, participants will compete for a combined ₦10 million cash prize pool, with the top three projects receiving financial awards.
What Is the Sandbox Africa Hackathon About?
The Sandbox Africa Hackathon 2026 focuses on practical technology development rather than ideas alone.
Participants are encouraged to build, test, and demonstrate working solutions that address real-world challenges using their technical skills and creativity.
The competition welcomes projects across software, AI, robotics, hardware, and embedded systems. It also provides opportunities for participants to collaborate with fellow builders and gain exposure to professionals within the African technology ecosystem.
₦10 Million Cash Prize Pool
The top three participants or teams will receive the following cash prizes:
- 1st Place — ₦5,000,000
- 2nd Place — ₦3,000,000
- 3rd Place — ₦2,000,000
Total Prize Pool: ₦10,000,000
Beyond the financial rewards, the programme announcement highlights opportunities for industry mentorship, technical networking, collaboration, and potential pathways to further develop promising projects.
Who Should Apply?
The hackathon is particularly suitable for individuals and teams who are building, experimenting with, or developing technology solutions.
Potential participants include:
- Software developers
- Engineering students
- AI and machine-learning enthusiasts
- Robotics builders
- Hardware innovators
- Embedded systems developers
- Technical founders
- Technology entrepreneurs
- Innovators solving real-world problems
Participants who already have a prototype, product, or technical project can use the hackathon as an opportunity to test, improve, and showcase their work.
Areas of Focus
The Sandbox Africa Hackathon covers a broad range of technology fields.
Software Development
Participants can build software applications, platforms, and digital tools designed to solve practical problems.
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Projects involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, automation, and related technologies are also encouraged.
Hardware & Embedded Systems
Hardware innovators and embedded systems developers can develop solutions involving microcontrollers, sensors, electronics, automation, and connected devices.
The broad focus means participants from different technical backgrounds can compete by demonstrating practical and innovative solutions.
What Participants Can Gain
Participation offers benefits beyond the competition itself. According to the programme announcement, participants may gain:
- Cash prizes for the top three projects
- Industry mentorship
- Technical networking opportunities
- Collaboration with other technology builders
- Exposure within the technology ecosystem
- Opportunities to showcase their projects
- Potential pathways to further develop promising solutions
For developers and engineering students, the hackathon also provides an opportunity to demonstrate practical technical skills through a working project rather than relying solely on academic qualifications or written proposals.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Key Details
- Opportunity: Sandbox Africa Hackathon 2026
- Focus: Software, AI, robotics and embedded systems
- Eligibility: Technology builders, developers, engineering students and innovators
- Total announced prize pool: ₦10 million
- 1st Prize: ₦5 million
- 2nd Prize: ₦3 million
- 3rd Prize: ₦2 million
- Registration: Online
- Enquiries: +234-701-389-8128
