SafeTech Africa Launches $10,000 Grant for Innovators

SafeTech Africa is launching the HackLab 2026 challenge, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed at young innovators who are developing solutions to combat online abuse, child marriage, and female genital mutilation. The challenge offers four seed grants of up to $10,000.

Applications for this initiative must be submitted by 10.59 pm WAT on October 18. While the challenge is open to participants from across Africa, the specific eligibility criteria indicate that only residents of Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as individuals from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, and Sierra Leone, can apply.

Notably, Nigeria is not included in the eligibility list, and Nigerian residents are advised to seek clarification from the organizers regarding their potential participation in the challenge.