The Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge 2025 is a bold initiative designed to reimagine and strengthen democracy across West Africa. This program focuses on supporting youth-led innovations that reshape democratic engagement in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast region.
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If you are a young innovator with ideas around civic tech, accountability, or youth participation, this opportunity is for you.
Program Details
Selected participants will go through a structured program that combines mentorship, technical support, and funding.
- Virtual Acceleration Program: 12 selected teams will take part in an intensive virtual program. They will receive mentorship, capacity building, and technical support to refine their democratic innovations.
- Civic Hackathon Pitch: After the acceleration phase, 6 top teams will be invited to pitch their solutions at a live Civic Hackathon before expert judges and key stakeholders.
- Seed Funding for Winners: The 3 best teams will each receive ₦500,000 in seed funding to scale their solutions and create sustainable impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Solutions must focus on accountability, elections, civic engagement, or youth participation
- Innovations should leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology
- Solutions must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound)
- Applications are only open to innovators from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, or Yobe State
Why You Should Apply
- Access mentorship and technical support
- Network with key stakeholders in democracy and civic tech
- Win ₦500,000 seed funding to scale your idea
- Be part of a growing movement to reimagine democracy in Nigeria
Application Deadline
The deadline for Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge is: Friday, 12th September 2025
