The Data Science Africa (DSA) Hackathon 2025, held under the theme “African Problems, African Data Scientists, African Data,” provided a unique platform for data scientists across the continent to apply their skills in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Launched in December 2024, the hackathon sought to strengthen collaboration among African data professionals and promote the use of locally generated data in developing practical and sustainable solutions. Participants were encouraged to identify and solve problems within key thematic areas such as agriculture, health, climate change, education, governance, and business.
Continental Participation
The event attracted remarkable participation, with 431 teams comprising 1,757 participants from 45 African countries. This wide representation underscored the growing interest in data science and its potential to transform lives across the continent. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania recorded the highest number of participants.
The hackathon process included several stages — from the initial registration and checkpoint reviews to the final project presentations in May 2025. Of the teams that began the journey, 11 advanced to the final stage, where they presented innovative, data-driven solutions to real African problems.
Innovative Projects and Recognitions
Among the projects presented, several demonstrated exceptional creativity and impact potential:
- MammoAI — An AI-powered tool designed to support early detection of breast cancer using medical imaging data from African health institutions.
- ConnectEd Insights — A data-driven platform that uses AI and geospatial analysis to optimize school connectivity and learning outcomes in underserved regions.
- Sema — A web-based solution offering translation and speech recognition between Swahili and English, promoting digital inclusion for African language speakers.
- Naija LAW Assistant — A chatbot built on Nigerian legal texts to improve citizens’ awareness of their rights and strengthen the fight against corruption.
- Yoruba LLM from Scratch — An ambitious initiative to develop a Large Language Model for the Yoruba language using data sourced entirely from African text corpora.
Based on their progress, innovation, and relevance, MammoAI, ConnectEd Insights, and Sema were recommended for support to attend DSA 2025 in Ibadan, Nigeria, where they showcased their work and engaged with the broader data science community.
Key Insights and Participant Feedback
While the hackathon showcased significant talent and creativity, participants identified several areas for improvement. These included limited access to reliable and up-to-date datasets, inadequate computing resources, and the need for more structured mentorship and communication throughout the process.
Participants also expressed the need for guidance on ethical data usage, marketing strategies, and the deployment of developed solutions. The feedback emphasized the importance of extended timelines, stronger mentorship, and clear communication channels to enhance future hackathons.
The Way Forward
This initiative continues to demonstrate how collaboration and local expertise can drive meaningful change across the continent. The event reflects DSA’s vision of building a strong community of African data scientists committed to solving real-world problems through data-driven innovation.
Future editions of the hackathon will continue to promote innovation, inclusivity, and the ethical use of data to address Africa’s unique development challenges. Through continued engagement, knowledge sharing, and partnerships, DSA aims to empower African data scientists to design solutions that make a measurable impact on communities across the continent.