CivicHive, a West Africa–focused civic technology platform, has launched its 2026 Civic Tech Fellowship, a 20-week programme designed to support innovators developing technology-driven solutions to advance civic engagement, social accountability, and public service delivery across the region. The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 27.
The fellowship will select 15 participants from across West Africa whose projects address pressing social challenges in areas such as responsible artificial intelligence, climate action, healthcare, or advocacy. Selected innovators will receive tailored mentorship from experts in technology, policy, and civic engagement, monthly stipends to sustain their work, and access to CivicHive’s regional network, which includes fellow innovators, government partners, and civil society actors.
Applications for the programme are open until February 11, offering an opportunity for tech-driven initiatives to move from concept to impact. CivicHive said the fellowship aims to empower innovators to translate bold ideas into sustainable solutions that strengthen citizen participation and foster more accountable governance.
The Civic Tech Fellowship reflects a growing trend in West Africa and across the continent, where technology is increasingly being used to improve government transparency, facilitate citizen engagement, and address social and environmental challenges. In recent years, civic tech initiatives have helped communities monitor elections, track climate change impacts, and expand access to health services, while fostering dialogue between citizens and policymakers.
CivicHive’s initiative is particularly timely as West African countries face mounting pressure to innovate in governance and social services. By providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the programme is designed to overcome common barriers faced by early-stage civic tech projects, such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and difficulty navigating regulatory frameworks.
“Civic innovation is critical for strengthening democratic participation and improving the delivery of public services,” a CivicHive spokesperson said. “Through this fellowship, we aim to equip West African innovators with the skills, guidance, and networks necessary to create solutions that have meaningful, lasting impact in their communities.”
Fellows will work on their projects over 20 weeks, participating in workshops, peer learning sessions, and networking events. At the end of the programme, participants will present their solutions to a panel of experts, investors, and civil society leaders, potentially opening doors to further funding and collaboration opportunities.
The fellowship also underscores the growing role of responsible technology in tackling complex challenges. For example, projects using artificial intelligence must ensure ethical design, transparency, and fairness, while climate-focused initiatives often require the integration of local data, citizen input, and evidence-based decision-making. CivicHive’s programme emphasizes these principles, guiding innovators to develop technology solutions that are both socially responsible and scalable.
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By fostering a new generation of civic tech leaders, CivicHive aims to strengthen the broader ecosystem for technology-enabled social change in West Africa. The fellowship provides a structured environment for testing ideas, gaining expert feedback, and building partnerships, while addressing urgent regional needs in health, governance, environmental sustainability, and citizen advocacy.
With applications open until February 11, CivicHive is inviting West African innovators to seize the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that can enhance civic engagement and drive positive social outcomes across the region.
