Civic Hive, a civic tech organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and participatory governance through innovative technology and programs that support the development of civic tech initiatives is pleased to announce the digital release of its landmark report, Spotlighting Africa’s CivicTech Leaders: Stories, Impact, and Lessons. This comprehensive report shines a light on 21 unconventional civic tech initiatives across Africa that are redefining democracy, transparency, and citizen participation in governance.
From Kenya’s Dokeza, a platform empowering citizens to shape legislation, to Mali’s OpenESR Conqueror, which safeguards electoral integrity, and Nigeria’s Tracka, which holds governments accountable for public projects, the report showcases how technology is bridging the gap between citizens and governments. It also explores the challenges these innovators face like internet accessibility and government pushback, and offers actionable recommendations to strengthen the civic tech ecosystem.
In a continent where digital innovation is often met with infrastructural and political hurdles, civictech tools are proving to be a lifeline for democratic engagement. The report reveals how Ushahidi (Kenya) crowdsourced crisis data to save lives during elections and disasters; The success of LiveResult by CivicHive in exposing electoral discrepancies during Nigeria’s 2023 elections, and many other elections since its invention thereby enhancing electoral processes in Africa; and the rise of platforms like Zuela (Angola) and Sema Tanzania, which amplify marginalized voices and foster youth participation in governance.
“We are empowering communities to thrive through accessible data and technology,” says Ushahidi.
The report urges stakeholders including governments, donors, and tech innovators to collaborate, invest strategically, and prioritize low-tech solutions for wider reach. It also advocates for the integration of AI to scale impact.
The report is now available for free download here. CivicHive invites journalists, policymakers, and civil society leaders to explore these stories and join the conversation on CivicTech in Africa.
Established in 2017 as the innovation arm of BudgIT, Civic Hive is a leading innovation hub dedicated to fostering civic tech leadership, open governance, and citizen engagement across Africa. Through research, partnerships, training, and advocacy, Civic Hive empowers communities to demand accountability and participate meaningfully in democracy.
Follow Civic Hive on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn @CivicHive
For Media Inquiries or Interviews, Contact:
Zahara Salawu
Communication Officer, Civic Hive
Email: zahra@civichive.org