Deadline: August 23, 2025
Are you passionate about civic innovation and technology? The Code for MENA Civic Tech Hackathon & Fellowship 2025 is your chance to join a powerful regional programme designed to build real civic-tech solutions while enhancing your digital, design, and storytelling skills. Whether you’re a developer, designer, activist, or social entrepreneur, this initiative offers you the tools, training, and funding to bring your ideas to life.
Applications are now open, and the deadline is August 23, 2025. This hybrid programme includes a virtual hackathon, a three-month fellowship, expert mentorship, and a chance to win seed funding and international exposure.
What Is the Code for MENA Civic Tech Hackathon & Fellowship 2025?
The Code for MENA Civic Tech Hackathon & Fellowship 2025 is a regional programme hosted in partnership by the Digital Democracy Initiative, CIVICUS, and SmartGov. It is designed to support civic-minded individuals in the MENA region to build technology-driven solutions for civic participation, governance, and accountability.
This programme brings together 50 participants from across the region through a mix of online training, virtual collaboration, and a culminating civic-tech hackathon. Participants will learn, create, and connect with fellow changemakers and experts from across the globe.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must:
- Be aged 18–40
- Reside in one of the following countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, or Syria
- Apply as individuals, teams, or organisations
- Have or not have a project idea—no coding experience is required
- Be committed to civic innovation and social change
This programme welcomes both technical and non-technical participants. You don’t need to be a coder—just bring your ideas and your passion for impact.
What Does the Fellowship Include?
Over a three-month period, selected fellows will receive:
Intensive Training in:
- Digital security & data protection
- UX/UI design thinking, nudging & gamification
- Agile coding & testing
- Civic storytelling & pitching
- Fundraising & proposal writing
Mentorship & Community
- Guidance from regional and international civic-tech experts
- Peer support and collaboration within a strong network
This unique blend of learning and co-creation is structured to empower you with both practical and strategic skills to launch or scale civic-tech projects.
Hackathon + Seed Funding Opportunities
At the end of the fellowship, all participants will take part in a virtual hackathon. During the hackathon, teams will present their civic-tech solutions to a panel of expert judges.
What’s at Stake:
- Top 4 finalists will receive seed funding to grow their projects
- Winning teams will receive continued mentorship, financial support, and a fully funded trip to Bangkok to attend the International Civil Society Week (ICSW)
This is more than a contest—it’s a springboard to launch high-impact solutions and build credibility within the global civic-tech space.
Why You Should Apply
Joining the Code for MENA Civic Tech Hackathon & Fellowship 2025 offers numerous benefits:
- Build solutions to real civic problems in your community
- Gain valuable skills in tech, design, security, and fundraising
- Receive mentorship and join a cross-border support network
- Access funding and international platforms for your ideas
- Boost your visibility and credibility as a civic innovator
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check eligibility: Confirm your age and country of residence
- Choose your application format: Solo, as a team, or as an organisation
- Craft your application: Highlight your motivation, relevant skills, and ideas (if you have one)
- Submit your application before August 23, 2025
Final Thoughts
The Code for MENA Civic Tech Hackathon & Fellowship 2025 is more than just a programme—it’s a launchpad for ideas that can create real civic impact. Whether you’re just starting out or already leading initiatives, this is an unmissable chance to receive training, funding, and global exposure.
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
