Entries open for Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon

This hackathon aims to offer a powerful and dynamic platform for civil society actors in Sub-Saharan Africa to develop innovative solutions that foster civic participation, amplify the voices of marginalized groups, counter digital threats such as censorship, surveillance, and disinformation, and enhance the use of digital technologies to support democracy in the region.

Benefits

• 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.

Prize Information

• Five sub grants of $7500 each.

Program Specifications

• 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 cyber security 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

Expected Outcomes

• This integrated challenge aims to produce innovative digital solutions that empower citizens, protect their digital rights, and promote social change in diverse contexts, with a strong focus on countering the detrimental effects of disinformation. The solutions should be scalable, adaptable, and culturally sensitive, addressing the specific needs of marginalized communities and activists operating in restricted environments. They should be designed to foster a more informed, engaged, and resilient citizenry, capable of holding governments accountable and promoting democratic values.

Eligibility Criteria

• Geographic Location: Open to participants from Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Age Requirement: Participants must be between 18-35 years old.
• Participation Format: Both individuals and teams can apply. Teams are encouraged but not required.
• Skills & Background: Both technical and non-technical applicants are welcome, including software developers, designers, activists, community organizers, journalists, researchers, and more.
• Team Composition: Teams must include at least one female participant.
• Language: 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.
• Original Ideas: All project ideas must be conceived during the hackathon period.

For more information, visit Digital Democracy Initiative.