Deadline: November 28, 2025
Applications are now open for the ALESA Digital Governance Incubator 2026 Cohort, an initiative designed to empower young changemakers in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania who are passionate about using digital innovation to promote good governance and accountability. This 12-month incubator seeks to nurture creative minds working at the intersection of technology, governance, and civic participation.
The ALESA Digital Governance Incubator 2026 offers a unique opportunity for emerging “accountapreneurs” to design, test, and implement innovative digital solutions that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in governance systems across East and Southern Africa.
About the Opportunity
The programme is led by Accountability Lab East & Southern Africa (ALESA) and focuses on supporting youth-driven innovations that advance digital governance. It aims to identify and nurture visionary young leaders who are committed to transforming governance processes through digital tools and civic technology.
Over a 12-month period, participants will receive mentorship, training, and hands-on support to develop practical, tech-enabled solutions that foster accountability, citizen participation, and better service delivery.
The incubator provides a platform where ideas that promote open government and digital inclusivity can grow into sustainable solutions, equipping participants with the resources and expertise to bring lasting change to their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to:
- Young changemakers aged 18 to 35 years.
- Citizens or residents of Zimbabwe, Malawi, or Tanzania.
- Individuals with innovative ideas or existing initiatives that use digital tools to promote good governance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from minority or marginalised groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Focus Areas
Applicants’ projects should align with one or more of the following pillars:
- Openness and Transparency in Government – Initiatives that leverage technology to enhance government openness, data transparency, and citizen trust.
- Access to Information and Participation – Projects that enable citizens to access public information easily and engage more actively in decision-making processes.
- Effectiveness and Efficiency of Government Services – Innovations that improve how public institutions and local agencies deliver essential services.
- Digital Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility – Solutions that ensure marginalised communities have equitable access to digital tools and governance processes, bridging the digital divide.
Programme Duration
The ALESA Digital Governance Incubator 2026 runs for 12 months, during which participants receive structured mentorship, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. The incubator fosters peer learning and collaboration while supporting participants to test and scale their governance-focused digital ideas.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 November 2025, at 11:59 PM EAT.
Applicants are advised to submit their entries early to avoid last-minute delays.
Benefits of Participation
Selected “accountapreneurs” will gain access to:
- Comprehensive mentorship and expert guidance.
- Capacity-building workshops and training sessions.
- Peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
- Visibility and connection with regional governance and innovation networks.
- A supportive community of like-minded changemakers driving civic tech transformation.
Through the programme, participants will not only enhance their technical and leadership skills but also contribute meaningfully to building accountable and transparent governance ecosystems in their respective countries.
How to Apply
Interested applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to complete and submit the online application before the stated deadline.
Read More
To learn more about the ALESA Digital Governance Incubator 2026, including programme details and selection process, please visit:
👉 Read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
