Deadline: 23-Aug-2025
The Code for MENA has launched its first Civic Tech Hackathon and Fellowship to strengthen civic technology in the Middle East and North Africa. This initiative aims to empower a new generation of public interest technologists, civic innovators, and changemakers by combining innovation with civic purpose.
The project is part of the broader Digital Democracy Initiative and is implemented in partnership with CIVICUS. It includes four regional civic-tech hackathons, with SmartGov leading the MENA region’s hackathon fellowship. Around 50 developers, designers, and civil society activists from across the region will collaborate to design and implement civic tech solutions that address urgent local issues and expand civic spaces.
The hackathon focuses on mobile-first solutions for accessibility, open-source technologies to encourage collaboration, creative UX/UI for better engagement, digital inclusion for marginalized groups, and digital security to protect information and systems.
Key focus areas include developing tools for transparency, accountability, and monitoring government actions. Participants will also build platforms to boost public engagement in decision-making, create systems for civic crowdsourcing like fact-checking and disinformation tracking, and support technologies that strengthen grassroots organizing and advocacy.
Selected fellows will receive a range of benefits, including seed funding for the top four finalist teams, practical training, access to a vibrant peer community, networking opportunities, personalized mentorship, and a fellowship completion certificate. Winners will also earn a fully-funded trip to Bangkok to attend ICSW, along with ongoing support to continue their projects.
The total seed funding available is $31,000. Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old and reside in one of the eligible MENA countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, or Syria. Both individuals and teams can apply, with or without a project idea. While technical experience is not necessary, applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to civic innovation.
Once selected, participants will engage in panel discussions, receive customized training, mentorship, and join a 48-hour hackathon where they will build and pitch their civic tech project to a jury.
For more information, visit Code for MENA.
