Benin's HackerLab 2026 Competition Kicks Off with 20 Teams

The 9th edition of the HackerLab competition was launched on November 15, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin. The competition, organized by the Agency for Information Systems and Digital Technology (ASIN), in partnership with the Cyber Africa Forum (CAF), brings together 20 finalist teams. They will compete over 48 hours, with the theme of this year's edition being "Under the Digital Mask." The teams have qualified through a rigorous selection process, with 321 teams initially registering for the qualifying phase.

The selection process for the competition was highly competitive, with 85 teams eliminated for non-compliance with the rules. The remaining 20 teams, including one all-female team, have made it to the final round. According to Roland Codjo Aïkpé, head of the Cybersecurity Department at ASIN, the challenge has just begun for the competing teams. The competition aims to identify and promote young talent in the field of cybersecurity.

The 2026 edition of the HackerLab places a strong emphasis on female participation, with ten female teams participating in the qualifying round. One of these teams has successfully made it to the final round, which is a significant achievement. The organizers have welcomed this development, highlighting the need for more women to participate in the field of cybersecurity.

The Director General of ASIN, Aristide Adjinacou, has praised the competing teams, describing them as "curious, bold, and inventive" young people who are eager to contribute to the digital transformation of the continent. He emphasized the importance of technical mastery, perseverance, creativity, and teamwork in the competition. Adjinacou also stressed the need for the teams to consider the ethical implications of their work.

The competition is also seen as an opportunity to identify and develop local talent in the field of cybersecurity. The Director General of the National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN), Ouanilo Medegan Fagla, recalled the creation of the CNIN in 2017, which was aimed at identifying and developing young talent in the field of cybersecurity. He encouraged the competing teams to persevere and not be discouraged by challenges.

The Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) is a key partner of the HackerLab competition, and its Commissioner General, Franck Kié, has expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration. He emphasized the importance of promoting and identifying talent in the field of cybersecurity. The CAF's sixth edition is set to take place on November 16 and 17, 2026, in Cotonou.

The HackerLab competition has become an important event in the field of cybersecurity in Benin, with a growing number of participants and a increasing level of technical expertise. The competition is seen as a way to develop local talent and promote the country's cybersecurity capabilities. The winning teams will be announced at the end of the 48-hour competition.

Key points

• The 9th edition of the HackerLab competition has started in Cotonou, Benin, with 20 teams competing over 48 hours.