Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon 2025 (Up to $7,500 grant)

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Applications are open for Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon 2025. The Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon is part of a global series of regional hackathons celebrated in the framework of the Digital Democracy Initiative. Organized by Magamba Network in partnership with CIVICUS, the hackathon will bring together civil society innovators, developers, and activists to create technology-driven solutions that strengthen democratic participation across Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon Challenge

Create technology-driven solutions that strengthen democratic accountability, protect activists in repressive environments, and combat the spread of disinformation across Africa.

Digital Governance & 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.
- Foster large-scale citizen mobilization
- Create tools that gather meaningful data
- Serve as catalysts for sustained advocacy
- Drive policy change through citizen action
Digital Security & Activism: 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
- Support advocacy for social change
Combating Disinformation: Address the critical threats posed by disinformation and low digital literacy by developing innovative solutions.
- Create AI-driven fact-checking tools
- Build misinformation tracking platforms
- Develop interactive digital literacy programs
- Equip citizens with critical assessment skills

Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon Benefits

Participating in this hackathon comes with exciting opportunities for growth, visibility, and support.

Funding Awards: They are giving 5 subgrants, $7500 each.
Team Selection: A total of 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to participants from Sub-Saharan African countries.
Participants must be between 18-35 years old.
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.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on:

Impact: Potential to improve citizen engagement and government accountability.
Innovation: Originality and creativity of the solution.
Technical Feasibility: Practicality and scalability of the solution.
User Experience: Ease of use and accessibility for diverse users.
Countering Disinformation: Effectiveness of mechanisms to verify information and combat disinformation.
Relevance to African Context: Adaptability and cultural sensitivity of the solution.