The Africa Quantum Consortium (AQC) has unveiled an ambitious new initiative, Hack the Horizon: The Pan-African Quantum Challenge, aimed at uniting the continent’s brightest minds to shape Africa’s quantum future.
Registration for the challenge opened on 19 November, inviting innovators from across Africa and the global diaspora to participate in a competition that blends scientific rigor with entrepreneurial creativity.
Unlike conventional hackathons, Hack the Horizon seeks to go beyond coding sprints. The initiative is a strategic effort to build a sovereign quantum ecosystem in Africa, connecting leading researchers, software developers, industry pioneers, and next-generation problem-solvers.
“Hack the Horizon is more than a hackathon – it’s a call to work together as a continent, rather than as fragmented nations,” said Temitope Adeniyi, programme lead at AQC. “It’s a stepping stone for Africans to claim their place in the global quantum industry while solving our unique challenges using quantum technology and AI.”
The competition promises participants mentoring, collaboration, and the chance to have their solutions showcased at the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) in Ghana next February.
Professor Ahmed Younes, a leading voice in quantum computing at Alexandria University, added: “Across Africa, the seeds of a quantum revolution are being sown. By bringing our brightest minds together, AQC is cultivating a forest of innovation that will define Africa’s technological landscape for years to come.”
Quantum technology is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, with breakthroughs announced almost weekly. While quantum computers have yet to achieve full “quantum advantage,” analysts predict that milestone could arrive by 2030.
Global investment in quantum tech has surged in 2025, with more than $13 billion added this year alone, bringing total worldwide funding to over $40 billion. Yet Africa and other parts of the Global South remain underrepresented in this burgeoning industry.
As part of IYQ2025, UNESCO is advocating for greater attention and investment in quantum innovation in the Global South. Hack the Horizon aligns with this goal, offering African innovators the platform to showcase their talent and attract international collaboration.
The challenge also presents strategic opportunities for companies and organizations eager to co-build Africa’s quantum ecosystem. Partnerships may include co-investment, technical mentorship, and industry-specific problem development.
Farai Mazhandu, executive director of AQC, emphasized the long-term vision: “This is not just about meeting talent; it’s about forging strategic alliances with Africa’s leading innovators. Hack the Horizon is a living laboratory for solutions with real-world impact.”
Jannes Stubbemann, CEO of Aqora—the global platform hosting the event—added: “We believe quantum computing should be open, distributed, and built collaboratively. Hack the Horizon embodies that vision, connecting talent across Africa to solve region-specific challenges and build durable capability.”
Sponsors gain access to Africa’s growing pool of quantum-ready professionals and young talent, addressing a critical workforce shortage in the quantum tech industry. Financial contributions or in-kind support such as mentorship and challenge development are welcome.
Participants and partners can register and explore collaboration opportunities through the official Hack the Horizon portal. This is a rare chance to engage directly with Africa’s quantum ecosystem at its inception.
The Africa Quantum Consortium serves as the continent’s central hub for sovereign quantum development, uniting innovators, institutions, and policymakers to build a self-sufficient commercial ecosystem. Its mission: Forging local strength, driving global impact.
