Tech4Dev has awarded more than N150 million in cash and prizes to participants of the second edition of its Digital for All Challenge, a flagship digital empowerment initiative designed to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and equip talent for the future of work.
The nationwide competition, created to close digital literacy gaps and strengthen workforce readiness, was conducted in three stages—state, regional, and national—culminating in a high-profile grand finale in Abuja. From a pool of 15,191 initial participants at the state level, 265 advanced to the regional stage, with 46 finalists ultimately representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones at the national level.
The challenge produced four category winners and eight runners-up, making it one of the largest prize pools ever awarded in an African digital skills competition.
In the K-12 category, Abdulhameed Ibrahim from Plateau State emerged champion, with Al-Amin Bashir of Kaduna and Lagos-based Samuel Urah as runners-up. Sokoto’s Ahmad Almustapha clinched the Youth Basic category, ahead of Emmanuel Ajayi from Kwara and Olalekan Oladiran of Osun.
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The Civil Servants category was won by Opeyemi Oyebowale from Ogun State, followed by Abia’s Oluchi Chibueze and Niger’s Zakariyya Ibrahim. In the Youth Intermediate category, focused on advanced digital skills, Miracle Michael from Niger State secured first place, while Imo’s Chinedum Chimezie and Jigawa’s Ismail Muhammad finished as runners-up.
Speaking at the finale, Tech4Dev’s Executive Director explained that the Digital for All Challenge was conceived to redefine how digital education and skills are valued in Africa—placing them on par with entertainment and sports. “Our mission is to inspire individuals to pursue digital literacy, unlock their potential, and catalyse economic transformation across the continent,” she said.
The event drew participation from major stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, underscoring strong collaboration between government and private partners to build Africa’s digital talent pipeline.
For Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), initiatives like this extend beyond competition—they serve as critical platforms for cultivating a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, boosting operational efficiency, and positioning local businesses to compete in the global digital economy.
