Are you a digital entrepreneur using technology to expand access to work, training, or opportunities? The #HackTheDivide Innovation Challenge 2025 offers a life-changing stage: a fully funded two-day hackathon in Nairobi (October 7–8) followed by an exclusive incubation opportunity in Italy.
Program Details
Hackathon Dates: 7–8 October 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya
Focus: Design solutions for fair digital transitions in Africa through areas like youth employment, digital inclusion, and labor mobility
Thematic Areas Include:
TVET and youth employment
Labor mobility and migration
Entrepreneurship and business development
AI for public good
Gender equality & formal work transitions
Local innovation & governance
Participants will form dynamic teams, engage with expert mentors, and present solutions live during a global broadcast event in Turin, Italy.
Benefits
Selected participants will enjoy:
Fully covered travel, accommodation, and meals during the hackathon
Mentorship from global experts and policy leaders
A live presentation opportunity to decision-makers in Italy during the “Skills for Fair Digital Transitions in Africa” broadcast
A tailored incubation experience with I3P (Italy’s leading tech incubator), including a fully funded trip to Italy and mentorship in the Italian innovation ecosystem
Who Can Apply?
Open to young digital innovators aged 18–35 based in any of these 25 African countries:
Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Ideal applicants should have:
Relevant experience in digital innovation (e.g., education, fintech, inclusion)
A commitment to inclusion and impact
Availability to attend the full hackathon in Nairobi (7–8 October 2025)
Application Info
Application Deadline: 7 September 2025
Apply Here (Official Link):
Selected participants will be announced around mid-September.
Why This Matters
#HackTheDivide is more than just a hackathon—it’s a movement empowering youth-led innovation to drive inclusive digital transformation across Africa. Hosted by ITCILO in partnership with the ILO, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the African Union Commission, this initiative supports Africa’s digital transition in line with continental development agendas.
