A three-member team from Data Science Nigeria (DSN) has earned a coveted place as finalists of the 2020 Global Challenges in Economics and Computation programme, showcasing Nigeria’s growing influence in tech-driven solutions for sustainable development.

The initiative, run by the ACM Special Interest Group on Economics and Computation (SIGecom) with backing from Facebook, awarded $150,000 (£113,000) in grants to tackle challenges aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals across low- and middle-income countries.

The SIGecom programme facilitates collaboration between leading Economics and Computation (EconCS) academics and rising researchers developing innovative solutions that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The virtual ACM Conference on Economics and Computation (EC’20) held from 13-17 July 2020, in Budapest, Hungary.

The team from Data Science Nigeria (DSN) was led by data scientist Aboze Brain John alongside Michael Segun Olanipekun and Elisha Odemakinde. Their project, titled “Game Theory-Based Optimised Waste Management System,” was selected as one of just 20 finalists from over 100 submissions.

Their innovative approach uses game theory – a mathematical framework for strategic decision-making – to optimise waste collection routes by aligning the interests of different stakeholders in the waste management ecosystem. Only eight of the 20 finalists ultimately received grants.

SIGecom Chair Nicole Immorlica praised the quality of submissions at EC’20, stating:

“The finalist cohort highlights how economics and computation can deliver locally grounded solutions with global resonance.”

By reaching the finals, the DSN team gains access to SIGecom’s international mentorship network and a platform to refine their algorithms for potential pilot deployments across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We may have missed out on the funding, but being recognised alongside the grant winners proves that world-class AI solutions are emerging from Nigeria,” said Aboze Brain John. “Our game theory-based approach demonstrates how waste collectors, households, and regulators can all benefit from smarter routing systems that cut costs and reduce emissions.”