Civic Hive Hack4Democracy in West Africa 2025 Programme
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
If you're an innovator, activist, or tech enthusiast who is passionate about transforming democratic processes and championing good governance, Civic Hive's Hack4Democracy Hackathon is the perfect platform for you. This annual hackathon is designed to foster collaboration among changemakers, develop groundbreaking civic tech solutions, and address the most pressing challenges in democratic engagement across West Africa. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity!
Hack4Democracy 2025 Summary
Date & Location: May 19-20, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria
Organized By: Civic Hive
Programme Type: Civic Tech innovation-focused program
Areas of Focus: Democratic engagement, human rights, good governance reform, voter apathy, electoral fraud, misinformation, civic spaces
Target Group: Civic Tech innovators, activists, civil society organizations from West Africa
Funding: Fully funded logistics and accommodation; take-off grants and technical support for product development
Application Deadline: April 14, 2025
Eligible to: Residents or citizens of the 15 West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
Programme Overview
Hack4Democracy is Civic Hive's flagship annual event, bringing together civic-tech innovators and activists to design scalable prototypes that enhance democratic participation and governance. The program addresses persistent challenges like voter apathy, limited civic spaces, and misinformation through cutting-edge technology and collaborative problem-solving.
Curriculum and Activities:
Participants will engage in intensive workshops, brainstorming sessions, and mentorship opportunities. Activities include:
Designing scalable civic-tech prototypes
Tackling real-world challenges such as electoral fraud and lack of transparency
Collaborating with industry leaders and civil society organizations
Networking with changemakers across the region
Benefits
The Hack4Democracy program offers extensive benefits, including:
Fees Covered: Fully funded logistics and accommodation for participating organizations within West Africa
Technical Support: Take-off grants and guidance to develop and launch products
Networking: Connections with key players in civic tech and governance reform
Eligibility Criteria
Be citizens or residents of one of the 15 eligible West African countries
Demonstrate commitment to solving critical democracy-related issues through technology
Be innovators, activists, or associated with civil society organizations
Application Procedure
To apply for Hack4Democracy:
1. Fill out the online application form on the Civic Hive website before the deadline (April 14, 2025).
2. Submit the following documents:
Proof of residency or citizenship in a West African country
Statement of purpose outlining your interest in democracy and civic tech
Detailed description of your proposed solution or idea
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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