Spotlight Initiative SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme, African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The Spotlight Initiative SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026 is a youth social innovation challenge identifying, incubating, and funding digital and community solutions across Africa. Shortlisted innovators receive virtual mentorship and compete for seed capital grants up to $10,000.
What This Scholarship Covers
- Seed capital grants ranging from USD 5,000 to 10,000 per winner
- Virtual mentorship using the UNFPA Social Innovation Toolkit
- Participation in a virtual showcase and final pitch event at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit
Who Can Apply
- 1 Must be a young innovator, social entrepreneur, or digital rights advocate.
- 2 Team leads and members must be 18–35 years old.
- 3 Must reside in Africa.
- 4 Innovation must directly tackle harmful practices such as Technology-Facilitated Violence, Child Marriage, or Female Genital Mutilation.