Call for Applications: Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon 2025 (Grants Up to $7,500)
Applications are now open for the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon 2025, a dynamic regional event under the Digital Democracy Initiative. This hackathon brings together young innovators, developers, and activists from across Sub-Saharan Africa to build cutting-edge digital tools that advance democratic values, promote accountability, and counter disinformation.
Event Overview
Organized by the Magamba Network in partnership with CIVICUS, the hackathon offers a collaborative space for civil society leaders, technologists, and creatives to co-develop solutions that address some of the region’s most pressing democratic challenges through technology.
Challenge Themes
Participants will work on one or more of the following focus areas:
- Digital Governance & Accountability
- Build digital platforms that empower citizens to monitor government performance.
- Design tools that track public service delivery and support transparent governance.
- Mobilize citizen-led accountability initiatives and policy advocacy.
- Digital Security & Activism
- Create secure tools that protect activists and civil society actors in restrictive environments.
- Develop communication platforms with strong encryption and privacy features.
- Combine cybersecurity solutions with grassroots organizing strategies.
- Combating Disinformation
- Develop AI-powered tools to detect and counter false information.
- Create digital literacy programs that empower communities to verify content online.
- Build platforms that track and report on misinformation trends.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to residents of Sub-Saharan African countries aged 18–35.
- Both individuals and teams may apply (teams are encouraged but not mandatory).
- Teams must include at least one female member.
- Applicants can be from any field, including tech, activism, journalism, research, and design.
- All project ideas must be created during the hackathon period.
- English will be the primary language of communication, with support offered in French, Arabic, or Portuguese as needed.
Benefits
- Funding: Five winning teams will receive grants of $7,500 USD each.
- Post-Hackathon Support: Access to mentorship and incubation programs to help implement your idea.
- Networking: Join a vibrant community of civic tech innovators and changemakers.
- Recognition: Gain visibility across Africa and contribute to meaningful democratic transformation.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects will be judged based on:
- Impact on civic engagement and governance.
- Originality and creativity of the solution.
- Technical viability and potential for scale.
- User experience and accessibility.
- Effectiveness in addressing disinformation.
- Cultural and regional relevance.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
