Following the success of the 2024 edition, which brought together more than 6,000 participants, the organizing committee has set the bar even higher for 2026. Arnaud Kouassi, president of the Hackathon Commission, indicated that the goal remains to attract a diverse range of profiles.
The competition is open to students, schoolchildren, start-ups, and SMEs capable of providing concrete solutions to the challenges of the extractive and energy sectors. Open to both Ivorians and
non-nationals, the SIREXE Hackathon prioritises projects specifically addressing the needs of the Ivorian market.
The 2026 edition introduces two major new features to ensure project viability: an incubation day on August 14th to co-develop solutions with experts, followed by post-hackathon support connecting the winners directly with investors and the Ministry.
Participants will compete around two main themes. On the one hand, there is the “Freedom Prize,” which gives candidates free rein to propose an innovation affecting at least one of the three target
sectors (Mining, Oil, Energy).
The selection process will extend over several months according to the official schedule, beginning with registration from July 13 to August 31, 2026, followed by incubation on August 14, a first selection from September 1 to 8, and culminating in the grand finale on November 21, 2026.
Following the elimination rounds, six finalist teams (three for the Freedom Prize and three for the biogas theme) will have to convince the jury with a PowerPoint presentation and a 5-minute video.
Mireille Aka, General Commissioner of SIREXE 2026, emphasised that while natural resources contribute to a nation’s wealth, its true strength lies in the intelligence and audacity of its youth. For her, this hackathon transcends the simple competition, becoming a true laboratory of ideas.
This initiative aims to modernise extractive industries and build a more competitive and sustainable economic future.
“I am convinced that the talents revealed here will contribute to writing a new chapter in innovation in Côte d’Ivoire and Africa,” declared Mireille Aka.
AP/fss/as/APA