Deadline: August 23, 2025
Applications are open for the Code for MENA – Civic Tech Hackathon & Fellowship 2025. Ignited by the Digital Democracy Initative and CIVICUS with SmartGov as the regional partner, the Code for MENA Hackathon Fellowship is a unique, action-driven program that brings together approximately 50 civil society activists, developers, and designers from across the Middle East and North Africa to design, build, and deploy bold civic tech projects that address pressing local challenges and help expand civic spaces.
Over a transformative three-month journey, selected fellows receive intensive, tailored training; hands-on mentorship from regional and global experts; practical resources to equip them for success; and access to a supportive network of partners and peers. The program culminates in a dynamic, immersive, and unique virtual hackathon experience, where fellows pitch their solutions and winning teams secure seed funding and continued support to scale their impact across the region.
Fellowship Training Curriculum
They have designed an intensive, scale‑ready programme covering:
- Digital Security & Data Protection: To Ensure Participants Safety & Data Governance
- Design Thinking: Creative UX/UI combined with gamification & nudging techniques
- Effective Coding & Testing Practices: Agile development methodologies and product‑management frameworks to ensure quality and adaptability
- Storytelling & Pitching: To craft compelling narratives
- Fundraising & Proposal: Writing For sustainable impact
Benefits
All fellows receive:
- Seed funding opportunities for the top four finalist teams
- Hands-on training to help you excel in your work
- Membership in a community of like-minded peers
- Networking opportunities with regional and global leaders
- Personalized one-on-one mentorship
- A certificate of fellowship completion
- Fully-funded trip to Bangkok for winning teams to attend ICSW
- Ongoing follow-up support
Eligibility
- Applicants must be aged 18–40 and residents of one of the following MENA countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, or Syria.
- Individuals, teams, and organizations are welcome to apply—whether or not they have a project idea.
- No technical background is required, but a strong commitment to civic innovation and social impact is essential.
Application
For more information, visit Code for MENA.
