The Digital Democracy Initiative has announced the launch of its Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon, aimed at bringing together civil society innovators, developers, and activists to create technology-driven solutions that strengthen democratic participation across Africa.
Selection and benefits
– Team selection: 5 teams will be selected based on the impact, innovation, and feasibility of their ideas.
– Post-hackathon support: Selected teams will have access to incubation opportunities to further develop and implement their solutions.
– Recognition & networking: Gain regional recognition, connect with industry leaders, and join a vibrant community of innovators and changemakers.
Prize Information
- Each team or individual will receive a subgrant of $7500.
What does the programme entail?
– Digital governance and accountability: Develop and implement innovative digital solutions that enable citizens to independently track governance, monitor public services, and demand accountability from elected representatives and institutions.
The aim is to drive large-scale citizen mobilization, create tools that gather meaningful data, serve as catalysts for sustained advocacy, and drive policy change through citizen action.
– Digital security and activism. The goal here is to create holistic strategies that unite digital security and activism to protect civil society actors, especially in repressive environments; develop cybersecurity resources, build secure communication platforms, create tools that empower activists to operate safely, and support advocacy for social change
– Combating disinformation with the aim of addressing the critical threats posed by disinformation and low digital literacy by developing innovative solutions, creating AI-driven fact-checking tools, building misinformation tracking platforms, developing interactive digital literacy programs, and equipping citizens with critical assessment skills.
Who can apply?
– You must be from a Sub-Saharan African country.
– Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
– Both individuals and teams can apply. Teams are encouraged but not required.
– Both technical and non-technical applicants are welcome, including software developers, designers, activists, community organizers, journalists, researchers, and more.
– Teams must include at least one female participant.
– While English will be the main language of communication during the hackathon, they welcome participation from all Sub-Saharan countries. Key instructions and support may be offered in French, Portuguese, or Arabic where necessary to promote inclusivity.
– All project ideas must be conceived during the hackathon period.
Deadline
April 30, 2025
Where to apply?
The Digital Democracy Initiative has launched the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon to foster technological solutions that enhance democratic participation in Africa.
Five teams will be selected based on the impact, innovation, and feasibility of their ideas, with access to post-hackathon incubation support, networking opportunities, and regional recognition. Each winning team or individual receives a $7500 subgrant.
The program focuses on digital governance to empower citizens in tracking governance and accountability, digital security to protect civil society actors, and combating disinformation through innovative solutions.
It is targeted at individuals or teams from Sub-Saharan Africa, aged 18 to 35, with both technical and non-technical backgrounds eligible.
Participation requires at least one female participant per team, and while English is the primary language, support in French, Portuguese, or Arabic will be available if needed.
Project ideas must be developed during the hackathon. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025, and applications can be submitted via the provided link.
