Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Virtual Hackathon 2025

If you're a changemaker passionate about empowering citizens and strengthening democracy through technology, the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Virtual Hackathon is the perfect opportunity for you. Organized by Magamba Network in partnership with CIVICUS, this exciting event aims to bring together innovators, developers, and activists from across Sub-Saharan Africa to create technology-driven solutions that enhance democratic participation, protect digital rights, and combat the spread of disinformation.

🎓 Hackathon Overview

The Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Virtual Hackathon is a key part of the global Digital Democracy Initiative. It is designed to foster civic engagement and democratic rights in the region through innovative solutions that tackle digital threats such as censorship, surveillance, and disinformation. This is your chance to be part of a global movement that develops tools to empower citizens and amplify marginalized voices in the democratic process.

Key Details:

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Information Session: May 8, 2025
Hackathon Dates: May 9-10, 2025
Results Announcement: May 14, 2025
Winners Incubation: May 21, 2025

🗒️ Hackathon Summary

Location: Virtual event for Sub-Saharan African countries
Eligibility: Open to individuals and teams aged 18-35 from Sub-Saharan Africa
Fields of Focus: Digital Democracy, Civic Engagement, Disinformation, Digital Security, Advocacy, Policy Change
Award: $7,500 subgrants for the top 5 teams
Support Post-Hackathon: Incubation opportunities to develop and implement solutions
Language: English as primary communication, with support in French, Portuguese, and Arabic

💡 Hackathon Challenge

The hackathon aims to address several critical areas in digital democracy, including:

Digital Governance & Accountability: Develop tools to monitor public services, track governance, and demand accountability from institutions.
Digital Security & Activism: Build secure platforms for civil society actors, especially in repressive environments, to advocate safely.
Combating Disinformation: Create tools to combat misinformation, develop AI-driven fact-checking tools, and enhance digital literacy.

🎁 Benefits of Participation

Participating in this hackathon provides a unique opportunity for visibility, networking, and impact. Key benefits include:

Funding: The top five teams will receive $7,500 in subgrants to continue developing their solutions.
Post-Hackathon Incubation: Selected teams will gain access to support and resources to turn their ideas into real-world applications.
Recognition: Winners will receive regional recognition and connect with a global network of changemakers and experts in the digital democracy space.
Networking: Engage with industry leaders, civil society groups, and fellow innovators working to protect digital rights and strengthen democratic processes across Africa.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this hackathon, participants must meet the following criteria:

Age: 18-35 years old
Location: Must be from a Sub-Saharan African country
Background: Open to both technical and non-technical individuals, including developers, designers, activists, journalists, and researchers.
Team Composition: Teams must include at least one female participant.
Language: While English is the primary communication language, support will be provided in French, Portuguese, and Arabic to ensure inclusivity.

📝 Application Procedure

To apply for the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Virtual Hackathon:

Register: Complete the online registration form by the application deadline (April 30, 2025).
Team Formation: Applicants can apply individually or as a team. Teams with diverse skills are encouraged.
Submission: Submit your project idea and join the hackathon for an intense 2-day virtual collaboration (May 9-10, 2025).
Evaluation: Your project will be evaluated based on its impact, innovation, and feasibility.

What You'll Need

Project Idea: Ensure your project is innovative and aimed at solving a real-world issue related to digital democracy.
Team Composition: If applying as a team, ensure at least one female member is included.
Technical Skills: While technical expertise is encouraged, non-technical applicants are also welcome, and diverse skill sets are essential.

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