Nigerian Data Analyst Wins Africa’s Edtech Hackathon: A Big Win for Youth, Tech, and the Future of Data in Africa
Somtochukwu Uzodufa
A Nigerian data analyst, Somtochukwu Uzodufa, has made the country proud by emerging winner of the 2025 Africa Edtech Hackathon, 10Alytics, taking home a $1,000 prize. Her outstanding time management, clarity, and powerful presentation placed her ahead of top contenders from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Uzodufa scored an impressive 81.71%, outperforming Nigeria’s Ishaq Kofi who came second, while Ghana’s Kwame Otchere and Kenya’s Nicholas Otieno tied for third place with 77.71%.
Hackathon Focus: Solving Africa’s Debt Crisis Through Data
The theme for this year — “Unravelling Africa’s Sovereign Debt Crisis: Paths to Sustainability” — challenged participants to use data to solve real African challenges.
Contestants applied artificial intelligence, data science, and analytical modelling to transform major economic indicators such as:
GDP (real & nominal)
Budget deficit & fiscal performance
Health expenditure
VAT & trade data
Unemployment figures
Government debt
Population metrics
Their goal was to create actionable insights that governments, NGOs, and global institutions can use for better governance and evidence-based policymaking.
Empowering Youth Through Skills, Opportunities & Global Exposure
A total of 2,282 people from 51 countries registered, with 217 final submissions from 12 countries.
Prizes included:
1st: $1,000
2nd: $600
3rd: $400
4th–6th: UK internship experience
7th–8th: AI Automation Course Scholarship
9th–10th: Two months CV Matchly AI access
Beyond cash, these opportunities equip young Africans with global exposure, career openings, and hands-on experience in tech.
“Data sits at the core of development. Africa holds an abundance of untapped social data, and when properly analysed, it can reshape planning, governance, and economic transformation.”- 10Alytics CEO, Chukwuemeka Ikpa,
With over 5,100 Africans trained into tech jobs globally, 10Alytics continues to help young Nigerians break into high-income digital careers — proving that skills, not location, shape success today.
Somtochukwu’s victory is a reminder that Nigerian youths are talented, innovative, and globally competitive. With the right skills in data, AI, and technology, more young people can solve real problems, build successful careers, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital future.
