The AI and Digital Music Economy Hackathon 2025 is scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 11 to 15, bringing together experts in creativity, technology, and data to explore how artificial intelligence can redefine Nigeria’s music economy. Described as “The hack that measures the beat of a nation,” the event aims to transform Afrobeats into measurable insights that reveal the real value of Nigeria’s global music influence.
According to the organizers, “Nigeria’s music moves the world, and now it is time the numbers did too.” The event will feature 12 diverse and gender-balanced teams of four to six members each. These teams will develop innovative AI-powered solutions to help policymakers and industry players understand how music drives jobs, exports, and GDP growth.
Participants will have the opportunity to work with top mentors in AI, data, and policy, gain access to cloud tools and resources, and pitch their ideas directly to decision-makers. Winners will receive up to $5,000 in cash prizes, recognition, and post-hack support to further develop their projects.
The competition includes five main tracks: Data Visibility and Streaming Analytics, Economic Impact Modeling, Global Reach and Export Insights, Infrastructure and Consumption Patterns, and Royalties and Intellectual Property. Each track focuses on using technology and data to solve key challenges facing Nigeria’s creative economy.
Organizers stated that the hackathon is designed to “build cutting-edge solutions that map the digital music ecosystem and create accurate economic data for Nigeria’s creative sector.” Applications are currently open through bit.ly/bshDMEhackathon.
The event is powered by the African Center for Economic Transformation and Blue Sapphire Hub, with support from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.