Ivorian team ShellxRoot crowned champions of the 3rd ECOWAS Hackathon
Date: 2024-10-18
Cote d'Ivoire's team "ShellxRoot" has claimed
victory at the 3rd Edition of the ECOWAS Hackathon, securing first place with
an impressive score of 510 points and capturing five flags. The regional
cybersecurity event brought together participants from across West Africa to
compete in challenging "Capture the Flag" (CTF) exercises designed to
test their cybersecurity prowess.
The
competition saw a
close contest between talented teams. Benin’s "M3V7R" secured second
place, while Nigeria’s "Error" finished third. Beata Hannah Bangura
earned recognition as the best female competitor, showcasing remarkable skill
and dedication throughout the event.
The top three
teams, along with Bangura, were awarded certification vouchers sponsored by
ECOWAS, laptops from the National Information Technology Development Agency
(NITDA), and cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances. The
remaining nine teams were also acknowledged with cash rewards for their
participation, further highlighting the regional effort to foster cybersecurity
talent.
The ECOWAS
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, Mr. Sédiko Douka, congratulated
the participants, commending the high level of professionalism displayed during
the 30-hour competition. In his closing remarks, Mr. Douka stressed the need to
stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity challenges and encouraged participants to
continuously hone their skills.
“The hands-on
experience you have gained here will strengthen your skillset immensely,” Mr. Douka said. He urged the teams to continue advancing their
expertise to tackle the increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.
He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to bolstering cybersecurity across West Africa, highlighting its role in contributing to the region's stability and security. “By enhancing the cyber workforce, ECOWAS is contributing to the region’s stability and security. In an age where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve,” he added.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
