Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program. This fellowship serves as an incubation platform aimed at nurturing early-stage civic technology ideas and solutions. Whether your project is just an initial concept or has begun scaling, ranging from grassroots hyperlocal efforts to broader regional initiatives, all stages are welcome. The program encourages innovative use of diverse technologies, including but not limited to radio, SMS, print media, artificial intelligence, and social media platforms.
Thematic Focus Areas
- Artificial Intelligence for Good: Initiatives that leverage AI in a responsible manner to tackle societal challenges. These projects should promote transparency, inclusivity, and effective governance of AI technologies while enhancing accountability and reducing bias or harm.
- Low-Cost Climate Tech Solutions: Affordable technology-driven approaches that address issues such as climate adaptation, agriculture, environmental conservation, food security, and resilience within communities, especially those operating in resource-limited and local contexts.
- Technology for Social Good (Health, Education, and Justice): Innovations that expand access to essential public services, safeguard rights, close gaps in service delivery, and empower citizens to hold authorities accountable and achieve equitable outcomes.
- Advocacy and Social Movements: Development of tools that bolster advocacy efforts, civic organization, collective action, and citizen-led movements, particularly in environments where civic space is shrinking or where repression and exclusion are prevalent.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Be a citizen or resident of any West African country.
- Be an individual or part of a team working on a civic technology innovation or project.
- Have tested the concept or been operational for a period ranging from one to three years.
- The project must align with at least one of the fellowship’s thematic areas.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to public interest or social impact, especially in enhancing civic space, improving accountability, increasing participation, or advancing service delivery.
- Be fully available to engage in all fellowship activities for the entire duration of the program.
- Show openness to mentorship, peer collaboration, iterative development, and active participation within a regional civic tech ecosystem.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The 2026 CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship will select and incubate 15 promising civic tech projects from across West Africa. Those chosen will benefit from:
- Comprehensive technical, product development, and legal assistance.
- Guidance and mentorship from seasoned leaders in the civic technology sector.
- Access to a vibrant, regional network of civic tech innovators and collaborators.
- A monthly stipend to provide financial support throughout the fellowship.
- Dedicated support aimed at preparing projects for launch and enabling early-stage scaling.
- An all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the 2026 West Africa Civic Tech Conference.
Important Dates to Remember
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 23, 2026 | Opening of Application Period |
| February 11, 2026 | Deadline for Submission of Applications |
| February 23, 2026 | Announcement of Selected Fellows |
| March 3 – June 30, 2026 | Duration of the Fellowship Program |
| March 31 – April 16, 2026 | Scheduled Lab Sessions |
| July 23, 2026 | Demo Day Event |
For comprehensive details, eligibility clarifications, and application procedures, please Visit the Official Webpage of the CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program.
