Apply Now: Mauritius Digital Gateway to AFCFTA Hackathon 2026

Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

The Mauritius Digital Gateway to AfCFTA Hackathon 2026 invites university students to develop innovative digital solutions for cross-border logistics, parcel traceability, and e-commerce under the AfCFTA framework. Participants receive mentorship, access to datasets and APIs, and opportunities to pilot their solutions with Mauritius Post Ltd. The hackathon emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, female participation, and the creation of scalable, technology-driven prototypes.

Overview

The UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles, in collaboration with the Mauritius Digital Promotion Agency (MDPA) and the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (MITCI), has launched the Mauritius Digital Gateway to AfCFTA Hackathon 2026. The event aims to enhance digital trade, optimize cross-border logistics, and improve parcel traceability, enabling SMEs to participate effectively in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Objectives and Focus Areas

The hackathon focuses on three main areas:

1. Smart Logistics and Parcel Traceability

• Blockchain-enabled parcel tracking

• AI-based route optimization

• IoT monitoring for logistics

2. Digital Customs and Trade Facilitation

• Customs API integration

• Blockchain certificate verification

• Automated tariff computation

3. Cross-Border Delivery Coordination

• Interoperable delivery platforms

• Last-mile delivery applications

• Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) integration

Who Can Participate?

• Registered undergraduate or postgraduate students enrolled in Mauritian universities or tertiary institutions

• Teams of 2–5 members with interdisciplinary skills

• Female participation is strongly encouraged

Eligibility Highlights

• Open to all fields relevant to digital trade, logistics, AI, blockchain, IoT, and e-commerce

• Teams must be registered and submit required documentation in English

How the Hackathon Works

Phase 1: Pre-Hackathon Engagement

• Refinement of challenge statements with guidance from industry leaders and government agencies

• Ideation workshops and team formation activities

• Access to APIs, SDKs, cloud platforms, datasets, and a free digital trade fundamentals course

Phase 2: Main Hackathon (Two Weeks)

• Hybrid or online format

• Formal launch with keynote speakers

• Intensive prototype development with continuous mentorship

• Scheduled check-ins for guidance and troubleshooting

• Build functional prototypes or MVPs aligned with challenge statements

Phase 3: Post-Hackathon Evaluation and Showcase

• Projects evaluated on:

  • Innovation and clarity

  • Technical feasibility

  • Scalability and impact potential

  • Team diversity

• Winning teams may receive awards and opportunities for pilot testing with Mauritius Post Ltd.

• Showcase event for investors, government officials, and potential partners

Application Requirements

1. Expression of Interest Form

2. Proof of legal registration of the team

3. Team profile detailing skills and roles

4. Concept summary

5. CVs of all team members

Deliverables for Selected Teams

• Prototype or MVP

• 15-minute pitch with demonstration

• 2–3 page technical concept note

Timeline

• Application Deadline: 15 January 2026

• Results Announcement: Early February 2026

• Hackathon & Bootcamp: Later February 2026

Tips for Applicants

• Form diverse, interdisciplinary teams

• Ensure clarity and feasibility in your concept summary

• Prioritize scalable and high-impact solutions

• Prepare a concise, well-documented technical note for submission

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to participate?

Undergraduate or postgraduate students enrolled in Mauritian tertiary institutions, in interdisciplinary teams of 2–5 members.

2. Are international students eligible?

Applications are limited to students registered in Mauritius.

3. What is the expected outcome of the hackathon?

Teams should develop functional prototypes or MVPs addressing logistics, digital customs, and cross-border delivery challenges.

4. Is mentorship provided?

Yes, participants receive continuous guidance from industry experts and technical specialists.

5. Can winning teams pilot their solutions?

Yes, selected teams may pilot their solutions with Mauritius Post Ltd.

6. In what format should submissions be made?

All documents must be submitted in English through the online portal before the deadline.

7. How are projects evaluated?

Projects are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, impact potential, team diversity, and quality of concept summary.

Conclusion

The Mauritius Digital Gateway to AfCFTA Hackathon 2026 is a high-impact platform for students to innovate in cross-border trade, logistics, and digital customs solutions. With mentorship, access to resources, and opportunities for pilot testing, participants gain hands-on experience and the potential to contribute to AfCFTA-enabled e-commerce and SME growth across Africa.

For more information, visit UNDP.