Applications are open for the SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026, a youth innovation challenge supporting African-led solutions that make physical, informational and digital spaces safer for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
The challenge is led by UNFPA’s Eastern and Southern Africa and Western and Central Africa regional offices, in partnership with the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme, the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women.
Four winners will receive US$5,000–US$10,000 in seed funding, alongside mentorship, visibility and opportunities to connect with investors and development partners.
What the Challenge Is Looking For
Applicants must submit an original, practical and youth-led innovation under one of three themes:
- Safe Physical & Community Spaces: Digital, mobile or civic technology addressing child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence and related harmful practices.
- Safe Informational Spaces: Secure and accessible platforms providing accurate sexual and reproductive health information, particularly for underserved young people.
- Safe Digital Spaces: Solutions addressing technology-facilitated violence, online harassment, disinformation, censorship and digital safety.
Projects may include mobile applications, SMS or USSD platforms, chatbots, digital learning tools, privacy-preserving AI, reporting systems, media-literacy tools or other technology-enabled approaches.
What Selected Innovators Receive
Shortlisted innovators and teams will receive virtual mentorship using the UNFPA Social Innovation Toolkit before progressing to a pitch showcase.
Support includes:
- Pitch coaching and mentorship
- US$5,000–US$10,000 seed grants for four winners
- Exposure to investors and venture funds
- Connections with continental development partners
- Visibility through UNFPA, Spotlight Initiative and African Union platforms
- Opportunity to pitch at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2026
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to young African innovators aged 18–35, including social entrepreneurs, digital-rights advocates and youth-led teams developing solutions aligned with the three challenge areas.
Applications will be assessed on factors including problem-solution fit, originality, feasibility, inclusion and accessibility, youth leadership, scalability, impact potential, and safety, privacy and ethics.
How to Apply
Applicants must select one challenge theme and submit information on their team, the problem being addressed, their proposed innovation and a 12-month implementation roadmap.
The application also requires details on digital safety, data privacy, safeguarding and accessibility.