Digital Democracy Hackathon
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.
Our Focus
The digital space has emerged as a key arena in expanding and safeguarding inclusive democracy, civic engagement, and democratic rights. 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.
Join the Movement
Join us in a global movement to develop tools that empower citizen action and protect digital rights! By participating in the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon, you’ll connect with a global network of changemakers working to strengthen democracy through technology. Together, we can create solutions that amplify democratic participation, combat digital threats, and ensure that every voice plays a role in shaping the future of democracy.
Expected Outcome
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: All hackathon activities and communication will be conducted in English.
- Original Ideas: All project ideas must be conceived during the hackathon period.
Judging criteria for solutions:
- 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 deadline: 30th April, 2025