Africa Digital ID Hackathon 2026

Unleashing the Power of Digital ID in Africa Through Use-cases Calling all university students aspiring to be innovators, developers, and policymakers in Africa! Are you passionate about leveraging technology to drive positive social and economic change? Do you believe digital ID holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for the region? If so, then this hackathon is for you! Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University Africa’s Upanzi Network and Microsave Consulting (MSC), this continental hackathon presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital ID in Africa. The hackathon invites Africa’s next thought leaders to identify and develop high-impact use cases for this transformative technology in various sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, access to public services and others. The hackathon is organized under the theme “Catalysing growth and properity" Eligibility criteria University students from all African countries can participate in the Africa Digital ID Hackathon by forming a team of 2-5 members. To foster inclusivity, teams must have at least one active female participant. The refugees and asylum-seekers enrolled in a university in any Africa country are also eligible to participate. The hackathon journey Stage 1: Launch & digital ID upskilling (3 weeks): We'll kick things off with informative online information sessions to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. To equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success, we'll be offering a comprehensive free digital ID upskilling course delivered through a series of webinars. Stage 2: Idea review & shortlisting (1 week): Once the application window closes, our team of experts will review all submitted ideas. Based on their potential impact, innovation, and feasibility, we'll carefully select 4-5 of the most high-potential use cases to move forward to the next stage. Stage 3: Development & refinement (3 weeks): Get ready to dive deep into development! We'll provide access to the powerful MOSIP Sandbox, a development environment specifically designed for digital ID solutions. You won't be alone on this journey. Our team of industry experts will offer invaluable mentorship and support, guiding you through the development process and addressing any challenges you encounter. To foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, we'll create a dedicated community forum where teams can troubleshoot issues, share insights, and learn from each other. Stage 4: Regional award events (2 weeks): As you refine your solutions, we'll provide guidance on how to effectively present your use cases to a panel of judges and potential stakeholders. The culmination of this journey will be the Africa regional award event, which will accommodate both virtual and in-person depending on the participant country of origin. Here, the top teams will have the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking digital ID solutions in front of a live audience. The final act will be an award ceremony where we'll recognise and celebrate the most innovative solutions that have the potential to truly transform the way digital ID is used in Africa But what's in it for you, you ask? Beyond the immense satisfaction of contributing to a brighter future for the region, you'll gain valuable experience, develop your skills in digital ID and application development, and receive insightful feedback from industry experts. Additionally, the winning team from each region may be invited to a prestigious international platform to showcase their winning solution alongside other leading innovators in the field, marking a significant milestone in their journey.