Spotlight Initiative SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026
About this opportunity
Seed capital grants of $10,000 for young African innovators in SafeTech. Applications open; deadline 18 Oct 2026 (23:59 CAT).
The Spotlight Initiative SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026 is a grant opportunity for young African innovators aged 18–35 to develop solutions addressing technology-facilitated violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation. Four winners will receive USD 5,000–10,000 seed grants, with shortlisted finalists receiving virtual mentorship and a showcase at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026. Applications focus on three themes: Safe Physical & Community Spaces, Safe Informational Spaces, and Safe Digital Spaces, all centered on digital tools to combat harmful practices and empower marginalized youth. The call is open until 18 October 2026 (23:59 CAT) and launched at AU InnoFest ’26 under the theme ‘Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI & Digital Sovereignty.’
What it offers
- USD 5,000–10,000 seed grants for four winners.
- Virtual mentorship via UNFPA’s Social Innovation Toolkit.
- Virtual showcase of shortlisted innovations.
- Live pitch event at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit (November 2026).
Who can apply
Young African innovators, social entrepreneurs, and digital rights advocates aged 18–35 who propose solutions targeting child marriage, FGM, technology-facilitated violence, and gender-based violence through digital, mobile, or civic technologies.
What you'll do
Develop an original, practical innovation aligned with one of three themes:
- Safe Physical & Community Spaces: Digital tools to prevent child marriage, FGM, and community-based GBV (e.g., SMS/USSD referral systems, legal education tech).
- Safe Informational Spaces: Confidential digital platforms for CSE/SRHR information, peer-to-peer safe spaces, or interactive learning hubs.
- Safe Digital Spaces: Countering anti-rights disinformation, protecting online creators, and fostering decentralized, privacy-preserving digital environments.
How to apply
- Submit an application through the provided link.
- Ensure compliance with intellectual property and ethical guidelines (see below).
Good to know
- Intellectual property (IP) and ethics: Innovations must be open-source or licensed under a permissive agreement (e.g., MIT, GPL).
- Focal contacts for inquiries:
- Esther Tshimanga: etshimanga@gmail.com
- Sinothando Manala: manala@unfpa.org
- Bernadette Ssebadduka: ssebadduka@unfpa.org
- Nicolette Moodie: moodie@unfpa.org
Applications must align with Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP 2.0) and UNFPA’s Decentralized Power & Systemic Shifting strategy.
Key details
What you get
- USD 5,000–10,000 seed grant per winner
- Virtual mentorship via UNFPA Social Innovation Toolkit
- Virtual showcase of innovations
- Live pitch event at YouthConnekt Africa Summit (November 2026)
Documents needed
- Open-source or permissively licensed innovation (e.g., MIT, GPL) proof of IP rights
How to apply
- Submit an application through the provided link.
- Ensure compliance with intellectual property and ethical guidelines.
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