The 2026 Civic Tech Fellowship application window is officially open for leaders and core members of CivicTech initiatives across West Africa. The CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship is a 20-week bootcamp and implementation programme created to support early-stage civic innovators with tech-enabled ideas that address pressing social problems across the region.
CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship
The CivicHive Civic Tech Fellowship is designed to help civic innovators move from ideas to impact. Through a structured incubation process, the fellowship provides the tools, mentorship, and support required to strengthen solutions that improve civic participation, accountability, and public service delivery. The programme is implemented by and targets innovators working at different stages and scales.
About the CivicHive Civic Tech Fellowship
Nigeria is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing youth populations. Within this context, civic technology has become a powerful driver of social change, combining digital and non-digital tools to bridge gaps between governments and citizens, expand civic space, and strengthen democratic participation.
Civic tech innovations now play a major role in advancing public participation, transparency, accountability, climate resilience, justice reforms, and efficient public service delivery. The CivicHive Civic Tech Fellowship exists to identify, nurture, and support the next generation of civic tech leaders responding to these challenges across West Africa.
The fellowship is an incubation programme supporting early-stage civic tech ideas and solutions. It welcomes initiatives at any stage and scale, from local and hyperlocal projects to regional platforms. Participants are encouraged to explore diverse technologies, including radio, SMS, print, artificial intelligence, and social media, depending on context and user needs.
The selection process prioritises ideas with clear impact on people and civic spaces, strong potential for sustainability, and long-term public value. It also values participants who demonstrate commitment, resilience, and a compelling vision for social change.
Thematic Areas
The fellowship focuses on priority areas shaping civic innovation today.
- Artificial Intelligence for Good
- Low-Cost Climate Tech Solutions
- Technology for Social Good (Health, Education, and Justice)
- Advocacy and Social Movements
Fellowship Benefits & Support
The CivicHive Civic Tech Fellowship will incubate 15 civic tech solutions across West Africa. Selected fellows will receive comprehensive support.
- Technical, product, and legal support
- Mentorship from experienced civic tech leaders
- Access to a regional civic tech network
- A monthly stipend throughout the fellowship
- Support to prepare solutions for launch and early scaling
- A paid trip to attend the 2026 West Africa Civic Tech Conference
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for the fellowship.
- Be citizens or residents of any West African country
- Apply as individuals or teams working on a civic tech idea or solution
- Have tested the idea or operated it for one to three years
- Align the solution with at least one thematic area
- Demonstrate clear public-interest or social impact
- Be available for the full duration of the programme
- Be open to mentorship, collaboration, and peer learning
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official portal.
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 11, 2026.
Link to Apply: APPLY NOW
