HackJos 2025: Igniting MSME Growth through Innovation in Nigeria
Innovation is no longer a choice. It’s a necessity for growth. That’s why I am honoured to join HackJos 2025 as one of the speakers. This is a special moment as nHub marks 10 impactful years of nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development in Nigeria.
This year’s theme, “Igniting MSME Growth through Innovation,” could not be more relevant. Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain the undeniable backbone of our economy. Yet many still face significant challenges in accessing markets, funding, and digital tools. HackJos is therefore intended to be a platform where innovators, developers, entrepreneurs and policymakers can come together to solve these challenges through creativity and collaboration.
What to Expect at HackJos 2025
HackJos 2025, scheduled for November 11–13, 2025, will host a 48-hour hackathon, expert keynotes, and thought-provoking panel sessions exploring how technology can power MSME transformation.
Organized by nHub, the event features four key innovation tracks:
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Digitalisation & E-commerce
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Financial Inclusion
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Productivity & Operational Efficiency
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Market Access & Linkages
Beyond competition, HackJos is a movement, a unique experience. It is a platform where ideas will evolve into impactful solutions, where different stakeholders engage and connect and where innovators build the digital future of Nigeria together.
My Role as a Speaker at HackJos 2025
As someone with interests and experience in Innovation and Technology Policy Advisory and Human Development, I am passionate about how strategic policy frameworks and mentorship can drive sustainable innovation. I always keep this reminder in mind: If you plan to speak, be prepared to listen. If you aim to teach, be eager to learn.
At HackJos 2025, I am particularly interested in learning and sharing ideas related to:
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Building enabling environments through innovation policy.
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Strengthening digital transformation for MSMEs.
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Fostering mentorship and collaboration in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Having carried assignments in conjuction with organizations such as NITDA, NDPC, and UNECA, I’ve learned that innovation thrives when policy becomes a bridge. It is meant to connect. It should not a barrier, or a wall. I hope that we will emphasize how inclusion, digital trust, and responsible innovation can empower MSMEs to scale sustainably at HackJos 2025.
Why HackJos 2025 Matters for Nigeria’s MSMEs
Nigeria’s MSMEs represent over 90% of businesses and employ millions. Yet their growth potential remains largely untapped. No matter, how attractive, unrealized potential is nothing until it is realized. Events like HackJos 2025 help close this gap by bringing together the sector stakeholders (innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and policymakers) to co-create practical solutions.
When MSMEs adopt innovation and digital tools, they boost efficiency, productivity, and access to global markets. And the effect is felt throughout the economy and society. Big business gets headlines. Small business builds nations. The mechanic, the market woman, the hairdresser, the barber, the tailor, the butcher, the farmer, the food seller/restaurant owner, the transporter, the furniture maker, all provide services and products that impact our lives daily. The future of Nigeria’s economy depends on our ability to empower these “small giants” to thrive in a digital world.
Mentorship: The Heartbeat of Innovation
Mentorship is not a side activity. It is not an afterthought. Mentorship isn’t charity. It’s oxygen for growth. It is the foundation for sustainable innovation.
As Nigeria’s Inaugural Tech Mentor of the Year (2024), I’ve seen how guidance and exposure can transform raw potential into real impact. Potential doesn’t fail. Gatekeeping does.
“Every innovator needs a spark. Mentorship lights that fire.”
Through platforms like HackJos, I hope to continue mentoring young innovators, sharing experiences, and inspiring more professionals to pass on their knowledge. Our community and our sector undoubtedly grow stronger when every expert embraces the role of mentor. It’s not about age or position, but about those who have the knowledge and insights sharing them with others in need of guidance and direction. And as we mentor, I can’t overemphasize that if you seek to guide, be open to being guided; if you are to mentor, be ready to be mentored.
Be at HackJos 2025
If you’re passionate about innovation, technology, or entrepreneurship, HackJos 2025 is where you should be.
Join us from October 22–24, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State, for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and creativity.
🌐 Learn more and register: HackJos 2025
Come be part of this milestone event as nHub celebrates its 10th anniversary of empowering the next generation of African innovators. Let’s build solutions that ignite growth, inclusion, and opportunity.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future Together
Innovation, mentorship, and policy aren’t separate paths. They connect, they interconnect, deeply, shaping our shared future. Our purpose should be to deliberately foster this connection. As we mark this important moment with HackJos 2025, let’s commit to building a digital space that works for everyone: from young developers and intrepid policymakers, to seasoned entrepreneurs and the non-techies on the street.
“When innovation meets intention, and mentorship fuels action, MSMEs become the heartbeat of our economy.” — Jide Awe
Author: Jide Awe
Science, Technology and Innovation policy advisor.
Nigeria’s Inaugural Tech Mentor of the Year
Find him on LinkedIn Jide Awe on LinkedIn
Find him on Twitter @jidaw