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

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.

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

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

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