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. You can now apply for the Digital Democracy Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon 2025.
About Digital Democracy Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon
Opportunity Details
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.
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 Al-driven fact-checking tools
- Build misinformation tracking platforms
- Develop interactive digital literacy programs
- Equip citizens with critical assessment skills
Benefits of Digital Democracy Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon
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.
Digital Democracy Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon Requirements
- 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.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
30 April, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
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Digital Democracy Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon
Apply for Digital Democracy Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon
