Online Safety HACKTIVATED
A platform for young people, tech enthusiasts, creatives, engineers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and build innovative solutions to tackle online safety challenges in Nigeria.
The Problem
With about 160 million internet users in Nigeria — 55.5% of the population — the internet is one of the most powerful engines for growth and education. Yet it also exposes millions of young people to significant online harms.
There are approximately 110 million young people under the age of 18 in Nigeria. Without innovative technology-driven solutions, this enormous population remains vulnerable to cyberbullying, exploitation, CSAM, gambling addiction, and misinformation.
Internet users in Nigeria
Of Nigeria's population online
Young people under 18
The Goal
Online Safety HACKTIVATED is a platform where internet stakeholders — young people, tech enthusiasts, creatives, engineers, ideators, educators, and entrepreneurs — come together to work collaboratively and build solutions to tackle online safety issues in Nigeria. The goal is to produce innovative tech products, ideas, and MVPs that drive transformative internet safety solutions into development.
Online Safety Focus Areas
How It Works
Register & Apply
Participants register their interest and those with ideas submit an application describing their solution concept.
Team Formation & Ideation
At kickoff, participants form teams and identify a real online safety problem affecting young people to address.
Rapid Prototyping
Each team works together over two days to develop projects, apps, campaigns, or tools with mentorship from industry experts.
Pitch & Launch
Teams present their solutions to a panel of judges. Winners receive funding, mentorship, and support to launch into the real world.
Past Impact
In 2022, Virtually Safe organised the Safer Gambling Hackathon — welcoming 60 participants with innovative solutions to promote a safer gambling environment in Nigeria. This hackathon brought together young innovators, developers, and advocates to build tech products addressing underage betting and gambling harm.
Why Gambling is a Key Issue Hacktivate is Solving
Online gambling and betting is one of the most pressing online safety issues affecting young Nigerians. Gambling patterns can start as early as age 9. Our research shows that 39% of young people surveyed have betted online — yet only 3% have ever won. Virtually Safe is committed to addressing this growing public health issue through innovation, advocacy, and community action.
Gambling patterns can start as early as age 9
Of young Nigerians surveyed have betted online
Of those who betted have ever won a bet
Of adults who bet regularly have experienced addiction
Our Safer Gambling Goals
- ✓Minimise gambling-related harm including addictions and depression
- ✓Educate young people about the risks of online gambling and betting
- ✓Support communities affected by gambling-related harms
- ✓Advocate for stronger regulations on gambling advertising targeting youth
- ✓Provide resources for young people and families dealing with gambling issues
Download Hacktivate Report
Read the full Hacktivate programme overview including the problem, solution, how it works, and past sponsors.
Download PDFReady to Hacktivate?
If you have an idea that can make the internet safer for young Nigerians, we want to hear it. Apply to participate in the next Hacktivate cohort.
Apply Now