About the opportunity
The SafeTech Africa Hacklab ’26 is a youth social innovation challenge launched by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Eastern and Southern Region & Western and Central African Region), in partnership with the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP 2.0), the Global Programme to End Child Marriage (GPECM), the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, UNDP, UNICEF, and UN Women. The challenge aims to identify, incubate, fund, and scale youth-led digital and community solutions across Africa under three themes: Safe Physical & Community Spaces, Safe Informational Spaces, and Safe Digital Spaces. Shortlisted innovators receive virtual mentorship and pitch coaching, culminating in a live pitch showcase and award ceremony at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026.
Funding and benefits
- Seed capital grants ranging between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000 for four winners
- Pitch coaching and virtual mentorship using the UNFPA Social Innovation Toolkit for shortlisted finalists
- Live pitch showcase and award ceremony at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026
- Direct exposure to investors, venture funds, and continental development partners
- Continental visibility and spotlight features across UNFPA, Spotlight Initiative, and African Union media channels
Who can apply?
- Young African innovators, social entrepreneurs, and digital rights advocates
- Ages 18 to 35
- Solutions must be youth-led, with young people (especially young women) leading solution design, execution, and enterprise ownership
- Innovations must address one of three challenge themes: Safe Physical & Community Spaces, Safe Informational Spaces, or Safe Digital Spaces
Required documents
- Team lead and member details including ages, gender composition, nationalities, contact information, and roles
- Theme selection (choose one)
- Problem statement (maximum 200 words) detailing affected people, location, challenges, importance, and cost of inaction
- Innovation description (maximum 700 words) detailing how the product or platform works, technology used, user benefits, and scalability
- 12-month implementation roadmap, outputs, and milestones
- Digital safety and inclusion note covering safeguarding measures, data privacy, and accessibility considerations
When to apply
- Applications open on 29 September 2026
- Closing date is 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CAT
- Virtual showcase and mentorship take place midway before the final pitch event
- Final pitch event takes place at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all required application content including team details, problem statement, innovation description, roadmap, and safety note
- Submit your application online via the official application form portal by 18 October 2026
Additional information
- Scoring criteria total 100 points and include problem-solution fit, innovation and originality, feasibility and viability, inclusivity and disability accessibility, youth leadership, scalability and impact potential, and safety, privacy, and ethics.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for young African technologists and social entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 developing digital tools, apps, or platforms focused on safety, rights, and health education.
- Well-suited for teams eager to scale their solutions through structured mentorship, seed funding, and high-level exposure at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit.
- Strong fit for projects prioritizing inclusivity, data privacy, and ethical AI to combat gender-based violence, child marriage, or digital censorship.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application window is relatively short, requiring prompt preparation of a detailed problem statement and 12-month roadmap.
- Applicants must commit to virtual mentorship milestones and be prepared for a competitive selection process leading to live pitching.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This challenge provides a valuable platform for early-stage or growing innovators looking to secure non-dilutive seed funding, gain regional visibility, and connect with continental development partners and investors.
Our take
Young African innovators and teams with digital solutions addressing gender-based violence, reproductive health information access, or online safety should seriously consider applying before the October deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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