The Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) Hackathon is set to take place virtually on 9 and 10 May 2025, bringing together innovators, developers, activists, and community leaders to create technology-driven solutions aimed at enhancing democratic participation across Africa. Applications are open until the 30th of April, this groundbreaking hackathon focuses on leveraging technology to empower citizens, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups who often struggle with limited access to resources in their quest for democratic rights. Participants will unite to tackle pressing issues such as disinformation, censorship, and the fight for civil liberties in an increasingly digital world.
The Digital Democracy Hackathon invites individuals aged 18-35 to join us in developing solutions that foster civic engagement, protect activists, and promote transparency and accountability in governance. Successful projects will address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities, ensuring that innovative solutions are scalable, adaptable, and culturally relevant. 5 teams that emerge victorious will be awarded $7500 (USD) as seed funding for their projects.
Our Call to Action: The Hackathon Challenges
1. Digital Governance & Accountability Create and implement innovative digital tools that enable citizens to independently monitor public services and advocate for transparency from elected officials.
2. Digital Security & Activism Develop holistic strategies that marry digital security and activism to protect the vital work of civil society actors operating under repression.
3. Combating Disinformation Addresses the pressing threats of disinformation and low digital literacy by creating cutting-edge tools such as AI-driven fact-checking applications and interactive digital literacy programs.
Anticipated Outcomes
The hackathon aims to produce novel digital solutions that empower citizens, defend their digital rights, and promote social change across African nations. Participants will have access to mentors, datasets, and various resources designed to support them throughout the event. Interested individuals and teams can apply now at https://hackathon.magambanetwork.com
Together, we can create a meaningful impact that strengthens democratic values and ensures that every voice is heard. We encourage participants to form diverse teams, incorporating various skill sets. A minimum of one female member is required for each team to ensure diverse perspectives are represented. Participants retain ownership of their projects while being encouraged to adopt open source methodologies to maximize reach and impact. For participants seeking to explore resources and answers to common questions, we offer detailed information on evaluating data privacy, accessibility, and collaborative tools that bridge the gap between citizens and local governments.
Join us on this vital mission to transform the digital landscape of democracy across Sub Saharan Africa. Together, we can reshape the future of civic engagement and empower communities through technology.For more information and registration details, please contact campaigns@magambanetwork.com
For press inquiries, and interviews please reach out to gracious@magambanetwork.com
About Magamba Network
Magamba Network is Africa’s leading creative and digital media organization dedicated to promoting democracy, social justice, and civic engagement through innovative campaigns and community initiatives.
