The CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026 is now accepting applications from early-stage civic innovators across West Africa. The fellowship is an incubation programme designed to support innovative civic tech ideas that strengthen civic space, accountability, and public service delivery using accessible and inclusive technologies.
CivicHive welcomes ideas at any stage and scale, ranging from hyperlocal community initiatives to regional platforms. The program encourages diverse technology approaches, including radio, SMS, print, artificial intelligence, and social media, making it accessible to innovators working in low-resource and high-impact contexts.
Fellowship Thematic Areas
Selected projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas:
Artificial Intelligence for Good
Civic tech solutions that responsibly use AI to address social challenges, promote accountability, reduce bias, and support inclusive AI governance.
Low-Cost Climate Tech Solutions
Affordable innovations addressing climate adaptation, agriculture, food security, environmental management, and community resilience.
Technology for Social Good (Health, Education, and Justice)
Solutions that improve access to essential services, protect rights, and empower citizens to demand accountability and equitable outcomes.
Advocacy and Social Movements
Tools that strengthen advocacy, civic organising, citizen-led movements, and collective action, particularly in shrinking civic spaces.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be citizens or residents of any West African country
- Apply as an individual or team working on a civic tech idea or solution
- Have tested the solution or been operational for 1 to 3 years
- Align with one or more of the fellowship’s thematic areas
- Demonstrate a clear public-interest or social impact focus
- Be available to fully participate throughout the fellowship duration
- Be open to mentorship, collaboration, and peer learning
ALSO APPLY FOR:
Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2026 for Young Nigerian Graduates (₦150,000 Monthly Stipend)
Fellowship Benefits
CivicHive will incubate 15 civic tech solutions across West Africa. Selected fellows will receive:
- Technical, product, and legal support
- Mentorship from experienced civic tech leaders
- Access to a regional civic tech innovation network
- A monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship
- Support to prepare solutions for launch and early-stage scaling
- A fully sponsored trip to attend the 2026 West Africa Civic Tech Conference
Application Timeline
- January 23, 2026: Applications open
- February 11, 2026: Applications close
- February 23, 2026: Fellows announced
- March 3 – June 30, 2026: Fellowship programme
- March 31 – April 16, 2026: Lab sessions
- July 23, 2026: Demo Day
Application Deadline
February 11, 2026
Apply for the CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program
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