SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026: Innovating for Safe Spaces, Digital Sovereignty and Rights

Hackathon Partially funded Closed

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UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in partnership with SIARP, GPECM, African Union Innovation Lab, UNDP, UNICEF, and UN Women Worldwide 2026

Information

The SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026 is a youth social innovation challenge that invites African young innovators to develop practical solutions addressing technology-facilitated violence, digital rights, and safety of women and girls. Four winning teams will receive seed grants of US$5,000 to US$10,000 each, with shortlisted finalists eligible for mentorship and opportunities to present at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026. The initiative is organized through a coalition of UN agencies and regional partners to fund, scale, and scale youth-led digital and community innovations.

Benefits

Seed funding for winners; mentorship; pitching opportunities; potential platform to present at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit.

Eligibility

Young African innovators, social entrepreneurs, technology developers, and digital rights advocates.

Application

Submit an application by 18 October 2026; shortlisted teams receive mentorship and pitch opportunities.

Always verify details on the official website before applying. Found an error? Tell us.

Opportunity Details

TypeHackathon

FundingPartially funded

OrganiserUNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in partnership with SIARP, GPECM, African Union Innovation Lab, UNDP, UNICEF, and UN Women

LocationWorldwide

Dates September 29, 2026 – November 30, 2026

Study level Bachelor / Undergraduate, Master / Graduate, Early-career professional

Open toOpen to young African individuals or teams across the continent.

Computer Science Social Sciences Health / Medicine

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