Apply to SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026
SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026: Grant Opportunity Overview
Program Summary
The SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026 is a premier youth social innovation challenge designed to support groundbreaking digital and community-based solutions addressing gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, female genital mutilated (FGM), and technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (TFVWG). Spearheaded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) alongside key UN and continental partners, this initiative aims to champion digital sovereignty, rights, and safe spaces across Africa.
Key Funding & Benefits
Seed Funding: USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 per winning innovator or team (4 winners total).
Capacity Building: Virtual mentorship via the UNFPA Social Innovation Toolkit and dedicated pitch coaching for finalists.
Global Exposure: Continental visibility, investor networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch live at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026.
Challenge Themes
Applicants must select one of the following core focus areas:
Safe Physical and Community Spaces: Digital, mobile, or community-based early-warning systems, referral platforms, and digital tools promoting school retention and legal awareness.
Safe Informational Spaces: Secure, confidential, and youth-friendly platforms providing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) data (e.g., chatbots, USSD services).
Safe Digital Spaces: Anti-harassment and safety tools, encrypted reporting mechanisms, media literacy applications, and privacy-preserving AI solutions to counter online violence and disinformation.
Eligibility & Requirements
Target Applicant: Young African innovators and social entrepreneurs aged 18–35.
Submission Components:
Team leader and member profiles (roles, contact info, nationality, and age).
Problem statement (maximum 200 words).
Innovation description (maximum 700 words detailing tech, scalability, and benefits).
12-month implementation roadmap with clear milestones.
Digital safety, privacy, and inclusion statement.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Applications Opened: 29 September 2026
Application Deadline: 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CAT
Final Pitch Event: November 2026 (YouthConnekt Africa Summit)
How to Apply & Contact
Application Portal: Submit via the official SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026 Application Link (replace with actual link if available).
Inquiries & Support:
Esther Tshimanga: etshimanga@gmail.com
Sinothando Manala: manala@unfpa.org
Bernadette Ssebadduka: ssebadduka@unfpa.org
Nicolette Moodie: moodie@unfpa.org
Note to Applicants: Priority is given to highly practical, inclusive, ethically designed solutions driven by youth leadership and backed by measurable community impact potential.
