The UbuntuNet Alliance for Research and Education Networking has opened its call for proposals for the Third Annual Women’s Hackathon, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering young female developers across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The 2025 edition is aimed at driving innovative software solutions to combat climate change through adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The Alliance is inviting applications from 45 young women, organized in 15 teams of three, to participate in this impactful programme that merges digital innovation with environmental action.
The event specifically targets female students and recent graduates from member countries of the UbuntuNet Alliance, providing a unique opportunity to close both the gender gap in technology and the innovation gap in climate action.
Climate change continues to pose one of the most urgent global threats of the 21st century, impacting ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. At the same time, women remain underrepresented in software development and digital innovation spaces across Africa.
The UbuntuNet Women Hackathon 2025 seeks to tackle both of these challenges head-on by fostering female-led technological solutions to climate-related issues.
Participants will be guided through a two-phase programme:
- Virtual Hackathon (Preliminary Phase):
Teams will participate in a remote training and development programme where they will be mentored by both academic and industry experts. They will create digital proof-of-concept solutions that address real-world climate adaptation and mitigation needs. Topical webinars will enhance their technical and leadership skills. - In-Person Hackathon and Showcase (Final Phase):
The top three teams from the virtual phase will be invited to Harare, Zimbabwe for a three-day intensive hackathon from October 27–29, 2025, ahead of the UbuntuNet Connect Conference (October 30–31). Here, they will pitch refined versions of their solutions, with winners announced during the conference.
Benefits for Participants
Selected participants will receive a range of opportunities and support, including:
- Certificates of participation
- Fully funded travel and accommodation for the in-person hackathon and conference
- Networking and exposure at UbuntuNet-Connect 2025
- Potential internship placements with UbuntuNet Alliance member networks
- Mentorship by leading professionals in tech and climate innovation
- Linkages to further funding and commercialization pathways
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be female students or recent graduates (within 5 years) in software-related disciplines
- Hold or be pursuing a degree in Software Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or related fields
- Reside in an eligible UbuntuNet Alliance member country (full list below)
- Not have participated in any previous UbuntuNet Women’s Hackathon
Eligible countries include: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Congo, DR Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Interested parties should submit a concept note at https://event.ubuntunet.net/event/145/
by Friday, 20 June 2025.
