Deadline: February 11, 2026
The CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026 is a 20-week intensive fellowship designed to support early-stage civic innovators across West Africa who are building technology-driven solutions to address public-interest challenges. The programme focuses on strengthening civic participation, improving public service delivery, and promoting transparency and accountability through innovative use of technology.
The CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026 provides selected fellows with mentorship, technical support, funding assistance, and access to a strong regional civic-tech network, enabling them to refine, test, and scale their solutions for real-world impact.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is structured as a hands-on incubation and capacity-building programme for civic-tech founders and teams whose ideas are already in the early stages of development. Over the course of 20 weeks, fellows receive structured guidance, peer learning opportunities, and expert mentorship to strengthen their products and organisational models.
The programme prioritises practical learning, collaboration, and solution-driven innovation that directly responds to civic and governance challenges within West Africa.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to apply if their solutions align with one or more of the following thematic areas:
Artificial Intelligence for Good
Responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence to address civic and social challenges, improve decision-making, and enhance public systems.
Low-Cost Climate Technology
Technology-enabled solutions focused on climate adaptation, agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.
Technology for Social Good
Innovations that improve access to health, education, justice, and essential public services, particularly for underserved communities.
Advocacy and Social Movements
Digital tools and platforms that strengthen civic engagement, advocacy, collective action, and participatory democracy.
Who Can Apply
The CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026 is open to individuals and teams who meet the following criteria:
- Citizens or residents of any West African country
- Individuals or teams working on a civic-tech solution or idea
- Solutions that have been tested or operational for 1–3 years
- Strong alignment with the fellowship’s thematic focus areas
- Commitment to active participation throughout the full programme duration
- Willingness to engage in mentorship, collaboration, and iterative learning
Both individual founders and co-founding teams are welcome to apply.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- Tailored technical, product, and legal support
- One-on-one and group mentorship from experienced civic-tech practitioners
- Access to a growing regional civic-tech network
- A monthly stipend throughout the fellowship period
- Support for product refinement, launch, and early-stage scaling
- A fully funded trip to attend the West Africa Civic Tech Conference 2026
Approximately 15 civic-tech projects will be selected for the 2026 cohort.
Fellowship Timeline (2026)
- Applications Open: 23 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 11 February 2026
- Fellows Announced: 23 February 2026
- Fellowship Period: 3 March – 30 June 2026
- Lab Sessions: 31 March – 16 April 2026
- Demo Day: 23 July 2026
Why Apply for the CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026?
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for civic innovators to strengthen their solutions, gain expert guidance, and connect with a regional ecosystem of changemakers. Participants leave the programme better equipped to scale their impact, attract partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to civic innovation across West Africa.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official online application before the deadline.
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to improve your chances of success and submit a strong, competitive application.
