Shape the Future of Digital Governance at the 2025 Policy Hackathon, Join Now!

Are you a young visionary eager to drive change in West Africa’s digital landscape? The West African Youth Internet Governance Forum (WAYIGF) is calling on innovators, students, activists, and tech enthusiasts to join the 2025 Policy Hackathon—a groundbreaking virtual event where your ideas can shape policies for a safer, fairer, and more inclusive digital future.

🗓️ Event Dates: April 28 – May 14, 2025
🌍 Format: Fully Virtual – Participate from any West African country!
👥 Teams: 2–4 members (only one application per team required).

Why This Hackathon Matters

Under the theme “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Digital Future for West Africa,” this hackathon is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for actionable solutions. Collaborate with peers across the ECOWAS region to address critical challenges like:

Ethical AI governance and regulation.
Bridging the digital divide and advancing digital rights.
Enhancing cybersecurity and online safety protocols.
Developing transparent digital infrastructure.

Selected teams will receive mentorship from global experts, refine their proposals, and present their ideas to influential stakeholders. Winning solutions could be shared with ECOWAS policymakers, amplifying your voice on a regional stage.

Why Participate?

Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in digital policy and Internet governance.
Networking: Connect with like-minded peers and experts across West Africa.
Recognition: Winning teams earn mentorship, internships, and a feature at the WAYIGF 2025 Main Forum.
Impact: Contribute to policies that safeguard the region’s digital future.

Who Should Apply?

Youth aged 18–35 residing in West African countries.
Students, tech professionals, civil society advocates, or anyone passionate about digital innovation.
Teams or individuals ready to collaborate (no prior policy experience required!).

Note: Only one team member needs to submit the application.

How It Works

Form Your Team: Gather 2–4 peers with shared interests in digital governance.
Choose Your Focus: Pick a theme like AI ethics, cybersecurity, or digital inclusion.
Submit Your Idea: Outline your motivation and initial concept (optional but encouraged!).
Hackathon Phase: Collaborate virtually, refine your proposal with mentors, and pitch your solution.

Key Dates

📅 Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
🚀 Hackathon Kickoff: April 28, 2025
🏆 Winners Announced: May 14, 2025

Ready to Innovate?

Application Steps:

Complete the [online form](insert link) with team details.
Describe your motivation and thematic focus.
Submit by April 21, 2025.

Apply early to increase your chances. Follow Opportunitypool on Whatsapp and LinkedIn for real-time updates.

Your Ideas Can Transform West Africa

In a world where digital policies shape economies and societies, youth perspectives are vital. Whether you’re a coder, advocate, student, or entrepreneur—this is your moment to collaborate, innovate, and leave a lasting mark.

Don’t just imagine a better digital future—build it.

Competition